One night after a seven-run fourth inning at Harlan, the Harlan County Black Bears produced a five-run third inning Thursday against visiting Lee, Va., in a 7-6 victory.
Freshman second baseman Alex Creech had a second straight three-hit night with three singles. Senior outfielder Nathan Shepherd reached base three times with his first career home run in the big third inning and a single in the second inning.
“Creech has been seeing the ball great, going three of three two nights in a row is huge for us. He’s giving us a huge spark at the bottom of the lineup,” Harlan County coach Scotty Bailey said. “Nate had a great game tonight. That’s what you want out of your senior is that leadership. After a hard fought win the night before, sometimes it’s hard to get up the next game and come with that same energy. His big homer in in the third sparked a lot of energy and got the boys going. The past two nights we have produced some big runs with two outs, and that’s what it’s about — being disciplined and going up there ready to produce regardless of the number of outs. I was proud of the way we finished tonight.”
Tristan Cooper added a double as the Bears improved to 7-15. Shawn Carroll, Isaac Kelly and Will Cassim added singles.
Cooper earned his third win in four decisions as he gave up three runs on six hits over 4 2/3 innings, with seven strikeouts and three walks. Karsten Dixon made his first start in three weeks due to illness and gave up three runs on four hits in 2 1/3 innings, with one strikeout and two walks.
Lee took a 3-0 lead in the top of the third before HCHS broke through with five runs in the bottom of the inning. Kelly, Cassim, Cooper and Shepherd had consecutive two-out hits with Cooper and Shepherd each driving in two runs.
Braydon Burton was hit by a pitch and Creech had a bunt single to open the fourth inning. Carroll singled in one run, then Creech scored on the back end of a double steal with Carroll.
Lee had the tying and go-ahead runs in scoring position with one out in the sixth inning before Cooper worked out of trouble with consecutive strikeouts.
Harlan County returns to action Monday at Pike Central.
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Lee, Va. 003 210 0 — 6. 10. 2
Harlan County 005 200 x — 7 9. 2
Mullins and Ely; Dixon, Cooper (3) and Kelly. WP — Cooper (3-1). LP — Mullins.