Softball Recap: Barbourville Comes Up Short

Barbourville extended their losing streak to eight on Monday, dropping their season record down to 2-9 in the process. They lost 16-0 to the Knox Central Panthers. The result was an unpleasant reminder to the Tigers of the 7-2 defeat they experienced in the pair's previous head-to-head fixture back in May of 2024.

As for Knox Central, they have been performing incredibly well recently as they've won four of their last five matches. That's provided a nice bump to their 8-6-1 record this season. Those victories came thanks in part to their pitching effort, having only surrendered 2.4 runs on average over those games.

For Knox Central's part, Blakely Castle made a big impact while hitting and pitching. On the mound, she didn't allow a single earned run over five innings pitched. What's more, Castle posted five strikeouts, the most she's had since back in March. She was also big at the plate, going 2-for-4 with one home run and one double.

In other batting news, Hannah Melton was incredible, going a perfect 3-for-3 with one home run, four runs, and two stolen bases. Those four runs gave her a new career-high. Jayme Swafford was another key player, going 2-for-4 with three runs, three RBI, and two doubles.

Coming up, Barbourville will welcome Harlan County at 6:00 p.m. on Friday. As for Knox Central, they will challenge Clay County at 6:00 p.m. on Thursday.