Harlan and Harlan County each suffered losses Thursday in their season openers as Harlan fell 26-7 to visiting Knox Central and HCHS dropped a 12-2 decision to South Laurel in five innings at the University of the Cumberlands.

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Knox Central pounded out 17 hits against six Harlan pitchers, scoring in every inning but one. Trevor Smith had a homer and drove in five runs for the Panthers. Hayden Melton had four hits and four RBI.

“It was a tough one tonight,” Harlan coach Lee Freyer said. “I think Knox did an excellent job being patient at the plate. They were extremely disciplined and had timely hits every time they needed them.  It’s early in the season. We aren’t hitting the panic button. We had some things go against us early, but our guys didn’t quit. There were several times where the easy path would have been to fold, but we kept fighting.”

Jaxson Perry led the Harlan offense with a double and single. Logan Myers, Jake Brewer and Baylor Varner had two singles each. Chris Rouse, Eli Freyer and Grant Shelton had one single each.

Varner suffered the loss as he pitched into the third inning. Brewer, Cooper Thomas, Freyer, Rouse and Caiden Jackson also pitched.

The Dragons play host to Clay County on Friday.

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South Laurel took control with a six-run third inning.

Brody Garland homered to lead the South offense. Alsip and Jackson teamed on a three-hitter.

Colston Boggs led the HCHS offense with a double. Gunner Burkhart and Hayden Casolari had singles.

Carson Clark started on the mound for the Bears and suffered the loss. Logan Mills, a seventh grader, made his high school debut on the mound. Kayden Adams recorded the final out. 

Harlan County plays host to Letcher Central on Friday.