When the Harlan Lady Dragons lost a 5-2 decision at home against Harlan County on April 10, they were limited to one hit by HC’s Alexis Adams.
Eighth grader Adelynn Lewis returned the favor in the rematch Monday at HCHS, pitching a one-hitter as the Lady Dragons pulled off an 8-5 upset. Lee struck out four and walked six.
“Adelynn did a good job and so do their pitchers. We just hit the ball,” Harlan coach Scott Lewis said. “We did what we needed to do to win. I think our girls are coming along. They were down on themselves early in the year.”
Harlan (3-14) is also much improved offensively with a lineup featuring seven freshmen and an eighth grader, collecting eight hits. Gracie Hensley had a double and single while Lewis singled twice and walked twice. Daria Lee had a double, while Jordyn Shackleford, Addison Campbell and Harmonee Mills added one single each.
“We’re trying to hang in there. The girls are catching on to the high school game,” Lewis said. “We don’t really expect a lot this year, but we want to build and look to the future.”
While the Lady Dragons are getting better, the 12-11 Lady Bears have been held to one hit in three straight losses and put up very little fight against Lewis with numerous infield pop ups and only a first-inning two-run double for Jaylin Robinson in the hit category.
“I told our girls they have to learn how to respond and learn quick because we are back at it tomorrow against Middlesboro,” Harlan County coach Shelby Burton said. “Our girls have to learn to deal with adversity and bounce back. I don’t know if we’re struggling mentally at the plate instead of relaxing like we were early in the year, but we have to find it and find it quick. Addy is tough and a true competitor and did a great job tonight.”
Robinson’s double gave the Lady Bears an early lead, but Harlan tough back with an RBI double in the second inning and an RBI single from Campbell in a four-run third when Adams walked three straight after a hit by Shackleford to force in a run.
Lewis singled in the fourth inning and scored on Lee’s double. A dropped ball in the outfield pushed the lead to 8-2.
Harlan County scored three runs in the sixth with the help of two errors, two walks and a hit batsman. The Lady Bears had the bases loaded with one out when Lewis retired HC’s top two hitters as Jordyn Smith popped out to Lewis and Adams popped out to short to end the threat.
Adams started in the circle and gave up five runs on two hits with three strikeouts and five walks in 2 1/3 innings. Smith allowed one run one three hits with one strikeout and no walks in 1 2/3 innings. Maddy Fields gave up two runs on two hits with one strikeout and no walks in three innings.
The Lady Bears will be at home again Tuesday in a district clash against Middlesboro. The Lady Dragons play host to Jenkins on Tuesday.
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After battling in a 1-0 loss in London earlier this season, the Lady Bears fell 14-0 in six innings in the rematch Friday at HCHS.
Kendall Brock had the only hit for the Lady Bears.
Adams gave up 14 runs (11 earned) on 11 hits with seven strikeouts and eight walks to suffer the loss.
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Harlan 014 120 0 — 8. 8. 2
Harlan County 200 003 0 — 5. 1. 2
Lewis and Patton; Adams, Smith (3), Fields (5) and Robinson. WP — Lewis (3-11). LP — Adams (8-9)
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South Laurel 004 415 — 14. 12. 0
Harlan County 000 000 — 0. 1. 0
Williams and Rice; Adams, Smith (6) and Robinson. WP — Williams. LP — Adams (8-8).
