The Harlan Green Dragons and senior ace Baylor Varner broke out of an early-season slump in a big way Monday in an 18-1 five-inning blowout Monday at Middlesboro in the district opener for both teams.

Varner tossed a no-hitter with 10 strikeouts and only two walks while giving up one unearned run in his first win of the season after pitching through some bad luck to this point.

The 6-7 Dragons pounded out 14 hits as they scored seven runs in the first inning and eight in the fifth. Brody Owens led the offense with a double and two singles. Eli Freyer had three singles. Jaxson Perry, Chris Rouse and Jake Brewer added two singles each. Braxton Bowen had a double. Varner added a single.

Freshman Mitchell Capps started on the mound for the 4-4 Jackets, giving up 10 runs (four earned) on nine hits with two strikeouts and three walks in four innings. Cayden Burchett allowed seven r runs on three hits with three walks and one strikeout in one-third of an inning. John Hayes recorded two outs and gave up one run on two hits with one walk.

The two teams meet again Thursday at Harlan.

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Harlan 720 18 — 18. 14.  2

Middlesboro 000 10 —   1.  0.   7

Varner and Owens; Capps, Burchett (5), Hayes (5) and Bayless. WP — Varner (1-4). LP — Capps.