A seven-run sixth inning, highlighted by a three-run homer from Cooper Brock, was the difference as visiting Bell County broke open a close game on the way to an 8-2 win at Harlan in a showdown between the top two teams in the 52nd District. Both entered the game with 4-0 district records.
Baylor Varner limited the Bobcats to one run through five innings but threw a lot more pitches early in the game than he did in blowout victories over Middlesboro and Harlan County that led to an early exit when he reached the 120-pitch limit in the sixth inning. The score was tied 1-1 with two outs in the sixth when Carson Walters was hit by a pitch to force in the go-ahead run. Holden Clark’s two-run single marked the end for Varner on the mound. Brock greeted Eli Freyer with a three-run homer. Singles by Brayden Carroll and Ty Mays pushed the lead to 8-1.
Bell ace Blake Burnett gave up one run on three hits in 2 1/3 innings before he was replaced by Ayden Smith, who earned the win as he gave up two runs on five hits with three strikeouts and two walks over 4 2/3 innings.
“Blake didn’t have his best stuff tonight, but Ayden came in and did a heck of a job on the mound for us. He was a difference maker out there for us,” Bell County coach Jeff Sziksai said. “Any time you are facing a pitcher like Baylor Varner you have to take advantage of opportunities. We grinded it out. Holden Clark got a big knock late, and Cooper delivered with a big home run. We put some boards on the board late, and that was good to see. It was a well played game, and I’m happy with a district win.”
Brock, Mays and Burnett each had two hits for the 10-6 Bobcats. Clark and Carroll had one hit each.
Freyer led the 12-8 Dragons with two doubles and a single. Varner, Jaxson Perry, Brody Owens, Chris Rouse and Caiden Jackson added one hit each.
The two teams play again at Bell County on Tuesday.
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Bell County 000 107 0 — 8. 9. 0
Harlan 001 000 2 — 3. 8. 1
Burnett, Smith (3) and Creech; Varner, Freyer (6), Brewer (7) and Owens. WP — Smith. LP — Varner (3-5).
