Harlan closed the regular season by scoring four runs in the ninth inning to win 7-3 on Wednesday at Perry Central despite being without two starters.
Chris Rouse and Jaxson Perry opened the ninth inning with singles, then Grant Shelton brought in the go-ahead run with a squeeze bunt single to third. Caiden Jackson and Brody Owens followed with RBI singles.
“I’m extremely proud of this group, not only tonight, but for the entire season. We are facing some adversity now with a few of our key players out. Every one is stepping up and playing their role,” Harlan coach Lee Freyer said. The Dragons improved to 14-12 with the win despite playing two of their top players in Baylor Varner and Luke Luttrell. Both are dealing with injuries.
“Growth is key to any season. It’s good to see that all our guys are ready when they are called on. We didn’t have a huge senior class last season, so as a coach you go into this year thinking that you won’t have to plug many holes. This season has been anything but that. These young guys are stepping up, and I’m really proud of their attitude and effort.”
Owens led the Dragons at the plate with a double and two singles. Jared Moore drove in three runs with a pair of singles. Jake Brewer, Eli Freyer, Chris Rouse, Perry, Shelton and Jackson added one single each.
Owens came on to pitch in the second inning and gave up three runs (two earned) on five hits with 10 strikeouts and three walks over 7 2/3 innings. Fryer pitched 1 1/3 shutout innings to start with two strikeouts and three walks.
“Brody pitched an amazing game. He hit the ball well, too. He doesn’t always get the innings on the mound since he is our everyday catcher, but he can really throw it. He was feeling great tonight. He held Perry in check,” Freyer said. “Chris Rouse stepped in and caught a great game. For the past few seasons, one of our main keys we focus on is execution. Tonight a couple young guys (Grant Shelton and Caiden Jackson) executed when we really needed it. To come into a hostile environment like Perry, be in extra innings and feel that pressure and still execute says a lot about those young guys. We also got some timely hitting tonight. Jared Moore had a great bases clearing hit to drive in three to get us started. He’s a senior who has always provided us with good leadership.”
The Dragons will play Middlesboro in the first round of the 52nd District Tournament on Tuesday at Harlan County.
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Harlan fell 8-0 to South Laurel on Monday in London.
Eli Freyer led the Dragons with two singles. Chris Rouse and Beck Bryson added one single each.
Jared Moore suffered the loss on the mound as he gave up six runs on eight hits over four innings, with two strikeouts and three walks. Rouse allowed two runs on three hits with one strikeout and one walk in two innings.
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Harlan 003 000 004 — 7. 11. 2
Perry Central 001 100 100 — 3. 5. 1
Freyer, Owens (2) and Rouse; Gayheart, Maggard (4), Perkins (9), Watts (9) and Hancock. WP — Owens (1-3). LP — Maggard.
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Harlan 000 000 0 — 0. 4. 0
South Laurel 100 51 x — 8. 11 4
Moore, Rouse (5) and Owens; Smith, West (6), Turner (7) and Sizemore. WP — Smith. LP — Moore (2-4). HR — South Laurel, Hensley.