Off to their best start this decade, the Harlan County Lady Bears extended their win streak to five and ran their record to 8-3 with an 11-0 five-inning win Tuesday over visiting Knott Central.

Freshman Maddy Fields earned her second win in two starts as she pitched a five-hitter with four strikeouts and no walks. The HCHS defense was also solid, especially the left side of the infield with shortstop Jordyn Smith and third baseman Raegan Landa each recording three outs.

Julionna Johnson led the Lady Bears’ 10-hit attack with three singles in three at bats. Smith had a double and single. Aly Sherman singled twice. Alexis Adams, Landa and Carmen Thomas added one single each.

“We got solid production in every aspect of the game tonight,” Harlan County coach Shelby Burton said. “Maddy’s pitching set the tone, defense made the plays behind it, and the bats came through like we want. That’s the kind of all around effort we expect every time we step on the field.”

Harlan County took control early with eight runs in the first inning, sending 14 hitters to the plate. Smith, Adams, Johnson, Sherman and Landa had hits in the inning while Knott had three of its six errors.

Thomas, Johnson, Sherman and Smith had hits in a three-run second inning.

The Lady Bears plays host to Knox Central on Thursday and travel to Harlan on Friday.

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Knott Central 000 00 —   0    5. 6 

Harlan County 830 0x — 11.  10. 2

Yeary and Centers; Fields and Robinson. WP — Fields (2-0). LP — Yeary.