Richmond edges Harlan in Junior League state finals

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Amy Shelton

The Harlan Junior League (ages 13-14) team includes, from left, front row: Aidan Lewis, Colby Shepherd, Jesse Gilbert, Jaxson Perry, DaShaun Smith and Sebastian Mosley; back row: coach Brad Shelton, Grant Shelton, Luke Luttrell, Brayden Morris and Chance Sturgill.

Harlan All-Star Luke Luttrell struck out 10 in five innings to earn the win on the mound in the Junior League State Tournament on Saturday. Luttrell had a hit Tuesday as Harlan fell 5-4 to Richmond in the championship game. (John Henson)

The Harlan All-Stars’ bid for a championship in the state Junior League Tournament (ages 13-14) fell short on Tuesday in a 5-4 loss to Richmond at South Laurel High School.
Harlan had a chance to win the final inning, rallying from a 5-2 deficit to get within one. DaShaun Smith singled and Jesse Gilbert walked to open the inning. Luke Luttrell was walked intentionally to load the bases before Chance Sturgill followed with a two-run single. Richmond worked out of the jam to earn the state title.
Jayce Whitaker led Richmond with two singles. Kellen Burchett had a double. Gunner Kelly added a single.
Smith led Harlan with three singles. Sturgill had two singles. Brayden Morris and Luttrell added one single each.
Burchett pitched five innings for Richmond, giving up two runs while striking out nine and walking three, Colton Gillum struck out two and walked two while giving up two runs in two innings,.
Sturgill pitched one inning for the Harlan All-Stars, striking out one and walking four. Morris struck out five and walked four in 5 1/3 innings. Shelton recorded the final two outs after Colby Shepherd faced one batter and Aidan Lewis faced two.
Harlan scored a run in the first inning as Morris led off with a single, stole second and scored on a hit by Smith.
Smith singled in the third inning, then stole second and third before scoring on a single by Luttrell.

Aidan Lewis went after a pitch in action from the Junior League State Tournament in London. (John Henson)