Shepherd powers Bears to win at Leslie

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Kim Henson

Harlan County’s Nathan Shepherd connected on a pitch against Perry Central on Tuesday. Shepherd was the winning pitcher Friday as the Bears downed Leslie County 7-3.

Nathan Shepherd had a big day, both on the mound and at the plate, to help Harlan County break a five-game losing streak with a 7-3 win Friday at Leslie County.
Shepherd pitched six shutout innings, giving up only hit and one walk while striking out 13. Shepherd also led HCHS on offense with three RBI on two doubles and a single.
“Nate really dominated the game. He got ahead of batters all day,” Harlan County coach Drew Chamberlain said. “We finally started swinging the bat with some confidence. We still left some runners out there and struck out a few too many times, but we’re improving.”
Tristan Cooper also had three hits for the 2-5 Bears. Zac Collett and Jonah Swanner each singled twice. Isaac Kelly and Brayden Blakley added one single each.
Colby Johnson came in to pitch in the seventh inning, recording one out while giving up three runs (one earned). Blakley allowed one hit as he recorded the final two outs.
Harlan County will travel to Harlan on Monday and play host the Green Dragons on Tuesday.
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Harlan County 020 041 0 — 7. 12. 2
Leslie County 000 000 3 — 3 2. 2
Shepherd, Johnson (7), Blakley (7) and Kelly; Caldwell, Brock (5) and Shell. WP – Shepherd (1-0). LP — Caldwell.