Softball Game Preview: Clay County Tigers vs. Middlesboro Yellowjackets

Clay County is a perfect 10-0 against Middlesboro since April of 2017 and they'll have a chance to extend that dominance on Friday. The Tigers will take on the Yellowjackets at 6:00 p.m. Middlesboro took a loss in their last match and will be looking to turn the tables on Clay County, who comes in off a win.

It was a proper cat-fight when Clay County challenged Knox Central on Thursday. The Tigers came out on top in a nail-biter against the Panthers, sneaking past 5-4. The Tigers haven't had any issues with the Panthers recently, as the game was their fifth consecutive victory against them.

Abby Bowling

Base on Balls Against

05/01/25 vs Knox Central	1
04/28/25 vs North Laurel	2
04/24/25 @ Pineville	0

Abby Bowling spent all seven innings on the mound, and it's clear why: she surrendered four earned runs on ten hits and racked up nine Ks. She has been nothing but reliable: she hasn't given up more than two walks in three consecutive appearances.

On the hitting side, Anna Samples was excellent, going a perfect 2-for-2 with one run and one double.

Clay County hit smart and finished the game with only two strikeouts. They easily outclassed their opponents in that department as Knox Central struck out nine times.

Meanwhile, Thursday just wasn't the day for Middlesboro's offense. They lost 17-0 to North Laurel on Thursday. The Yellowjackets haven't had much luck with the Jaguars recently, as the team has come up short the last four times they've met.

Clay County's win bumped their record up to 8-10. As for Middlesboro, their loss dropped their record down to 3-14.

Clay County skirted past Middlesboro 11-10 when the teams last played back in May of 2024. Do the Tigers have another victory up their sleeve, or will the Yellowjackets turn the tables on them? We'll have the answer soon enough.