Facing one of the state’s top teams, the Harlan Green Dragons faced a huge challenge in their quest to get to the 13th Region Tournament finals for the first time since 1997.

The Dragons put up quite a fight against Whitley County, pulling within two runs in the fourth inning before the Colonels added two insurance runs in the fifth for a 7-3 victory.

Ethan Allen had a double, two RBI and two walks while Kip Allen added two hits and two RBI as Whitley County improved to 37-3 on the season.

Eli Powers delivered a strong relief outing to pick up the win, allowing just one unearned run over 4 1/3 innings while striking out five. Cooper Parman started the game and struck out four over 2 2/3 innings.

Jaxson Perry led the Dragons on offense with three hits in four at bats. Eli Freyer added two hits. Varner, Brody Owens, Chris Rouse and Jake Brewer each had one hit in their final games with the Dragons.

Varner gave seven runs on nine hits with four strikeouts and three walks in 5 2/3 innings. Brewer allowed one hit with one strikeouts and one walk as he recorded the final four outs.

The Green Dragons ended the season at 18-14 and won three straight district titles for the first time since winning four straight from 1956 to 1959.

———

Whitley County 050 020 0 — 7. 10. 1

Harlan 002 100 0 — 3. 9. 1

Parman, Powers (3) and Bargo; Varner, Brewer (6) and Owens. WP — Powers. LP — Varner (5-6).