Baseball Game Preview: Cumberland Gap Panthers vs. Bell County Bobcats

The Cumberland Gap Panthers will head out on the road to square off against the Bell County Bobcats on Thursday. Cumberland Gap has given up an average of 7.3 runs per game this season, but Thursday's game will give them a chance to turn things around.

Cumberland Gap fell victim to Anderson County and their airtight pitching crew on Tuesday. They came up short against the Mavericks, falling 14-0. The Panthers have struggled against the Mavericks recently, as the game was their seventh consecutive lost meeting.

Meanwhile, Bell County scored first but ultimately less than Harlan in their matchup on Tuesday. They fell just short of the Green Dragons by a score of 5-3. For those keeping track at home, that's the closest loss the Bobcats have suffered against the Green Dragons since April 11, 2022.

Joseph Brigmon put in work while hitting and pitching. On the mound, he struck out eight batters over 4.1 innings while giving up just one earned run off three hits (and only one walk). He has been consistent recently: he hasn't given up more than one earned run in four consecutive appearances. He was also solid in the batter's box, scoring a run while going 2-for-3.

Brigmon wasn't the only one making solid contact as four players wound up with at least one hit. One of them was Cooper Brock, who scored a run while going 1-for-3.

Cumberland Gap's record now sits at 10-12. As for Bell County, they have traveled a rocky road recently, having lost six of their last seven contests. That's put a noticeable dent in their 4-7 record this season.

Cumberland Gap came up short against Bell County in their previous meeting back in March of 2024, falling 10-5. Can the Panthers avenge their defeat or is history doomed to repeat itself? We'll find out soon enough.