Baseball Recap: Shelby Valley Comes Up Short

Shelby Valley extended their losing streak to three on Thursday, dropping their season record down to 5-20 in the process. They lost 15-0 to the Hazard Bulldogs / Lady Bulldogs. The result was an unpleasant reminder to the Wildcats of the 2-1 loss they experienced in the pair's previous head-to-head fixture back in April of 2024.

As for Hazard, with the win, they broke their three-game losing streak and moved their record to 20-5. The result was nothing new for the Bulldogs / Lady Bulldogs, who have now won 11 contests by six runs or more so far this season.

For Hazard's part, Tucker Napier was a major factor while hitting and pitching. He looked comfortable on the mound, keeping things locked down with no earned runs or hits while striking out six over four innings pitched. That's the most strikeouts Napier has posted since back in April. He was also big at the plate, getting on base in all four of his plate appearances with four RBI, two runs, and one double.

In other batting news, Talon Goins was a standout: he got on base in three of his four plate appearances with one stolen base, two RBI, and one run. Jakoby Little also deserves some recognition as he got his first hits of the season.

Coming up, Shelby Valley will head out to face off against Knott County Central at 6:30 p.m. on Friday. The Patriots will roll in looking for their seventh straight victory, something the Wildcats surely won't give up without a fight. As for Hazard, they will welcome Buckhorn at 5:30 p.m. on Monday.