Struggling with poor defense and a lack of clutch hitting in a seven-game losing streak, the Harlan County Black Bears were on the opposite end of both Monday as they capitalized on six Middlesboro errors and four wild pitches in an 18-1 rout at Middlesboro.

Harlan County junior Zayden Casolari didn’t need much offensive support as he pitched a three-hitter with nine strikeouts and no walks to earn the win.

“I thought Zayden had command from the first pitch he threw. He’s very dangerous when he hits spots. He had good velo behind it today as well and helped himself at the plate offensively,” Harlan County coach Scotty Bailey said.

Casolari also led the HCHS offense with two doubles. Kayden Adams and Jesse Gilbert each added a double and single. DaShaun Smith and Brennan Blevins each had one single with with Blevins scoring three runs and Smith scoring two,. Brayden Morris drove in four runs and scored two for the 7-11 Bears.

“I thought we played good baseball today offensively. Got some good bunts down then came with some timely hitting,” Bailey said. “Jesse had three RBI today. He’s getting more comfortable each game at the plate. Kayden Adams had some big hits today with two RBI. If we can get some bunts down and move runners over, I think we can really do some damage like that. I really have liked how they are buying in and doing what we’re asking. A lot of guys are moving runners over and scoring runs with runners at third. We’re getting better each game, I’m proud of them. We’ve got to stay at it and turn around and do it again tomorrow.”

Jayden Simpson accounted for the only Middlesboro run with a leadoff homer in the second inning. Mitchell Capps added a double. Bryson Heck added a single for the 5-8 Jackets.

Malachi Coots suffered the loss as he gave up 12 runs (seven earned) on six hits with six strikeouts and three walks. Isaac Harris allowed six runs on two hits with one walk. John Hayes recorded the final two outs with one strikeout.

The two teams meet again Tuesday at HCHS.

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Harlan County 052 (11) — 18. 8. 4

Middlesboro 010 0 —   1. 3. 6

Casolari and Smith; Coots, Harris (4), Hayes (4) and Capps. WP — Casolari (4-4). LP — Coots. HR — Simpson.

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The Bears fell 15-4 on Friday at Knox Central as the Panthers blew the game open with seven runs in the fifth inning.

Aiden Lewis suffered the loss on the mound as he gave up five runs on two hits in three innings. Byron Shepherd, Jackson Mackowiak, Kyllian Jackson and Gavvin Lloyd also saw action on the mound.

Carson Clark led the Harlan County offense with a double. Jesse Gilbert, Chance Sturgill, Colby Shepherd, Kayden Adams and Brayden Morris added one single each.

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Harlan County dropped two junior varsity games over the weekend in Corbin, falling 3-0 to Russell County and 10-0 to the Redhounds.

Byron Shepherd had the only hit for HC against Russell. Jackson Mackowiak gave up three hits and only one earned run while striking out one and walking three.

Shepherd and Gavvin Lloyd had hits against Corbin. Hayston Hensley, Shepherd, Elijah Creech and Kyllian Jackson shared mound duty.