Bears use strong finish to win opener at Pike Central

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Down 5-2 after three innings, the Harlan County Black Bears rallied with 10 runs over the final three innings to win 12-8 in their season opener Tuesday at Pike Central.
Sophomore catcher Isaac Kelly led Harlan County’s eight-hit attack with a double and two singles in three at bats. Senior third baseman Zac Collett added a homer and single. Karsten Dixon and Josh Swanner each contributed doubles. Will Cassim added a single. Dixon, Collett and Kelly drove in two runs each.
Colby Johnson, a freshman righthander, allowed only one run on four hits with six strikeouts and one walk over 4 1/3 innings to earn the win in relief of starter Nate Shepherd, who allowed five runs in 1 2/3 innings. Tristan Cooper allowed two runs in one inning, striking out two and walking one.
“Colby came in and competed and threw real well,” said Drew Chamberlain, who earned his first win as the Bears’ head coach. “We got down early but fought back.”
Harlan County (1-0) will play several games this weekend in Pigeon Forge, Tenn.
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Harlan County 101 023 5 — 12. 8. 2
Pike Central 203 010 2 — 8 10. 0
Shepherd, C. Johnson (2), Cooper (7) and Kelly; Hager, Mouton (4), Stanley (6), Blankenship (7) and Mouton. WP — C. Johnson (1-0). LP — Stanley.