A four-run third inning by visiting Letcher Central put the Harlan County Black Bears in a hole from which they couldn’t escape in a 6-4 loss Thursday.

Sophomore Mason Boggs ran his record to 5-1 and gave the Cougars their fifth win in six games as he struck out five and walked two while giving up six hits.

Aiden Lewis suffered the loss for the Bears as he allowed six runs (four earned) on eight hits with two strikeouts and two walks in a complete-game effort.

Zayden Casolari led the Bears on offense with a double and single. DaShaun Smith, Carson Clark, Gunner Burkhart and Brennan Blevins added one single each.

The 11-16 Bears close their regular season schedule Friday at home against Barbourville and will play Harlan on Monday in the 52nd District Tournament at Harlan.

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Letcher Central 104 000 1 — 6. 8. 1

Harlan County 100 021 0 — 4. 6. 2

Boggs and Griffith; Lewis and Smith. WP — Boggs. LP — Lewis (3-2).