Clinton County extended their losing streak to three on Thursday, dropping their season record down to 9-7 in the process. They were a single run away from ending the streak, but they lost a 9-8 heartbreaker at the hands of the McCreary Central Raiders. The Bulldogs were given a dose of their own medicine in this game as the Raiders apparently hadn't forgotten their defeat the last time these teams played back in May of 2023.
Austin Arms put in work while hitting and pitching. He looked comfortable on the mound, striking out eight batters over 3.2 innings while giving up no earned runs off three hits. What's more, he gave up only zero earned runs, the fewest he's had since back in May of 2024. He was also big at the plate, going 2-for-4 with one home run, three RBI, and two runs.
In other batting news, Tucker Casada made the most of his time at bat despite the final result and went 1-for-3 with two stolen bases, one run, and one RBI. Drake Thrasher also deserves some recognition as he hit his first double of the season.
As for McCreary Central, they have been performing incredibly well recently as they've won six of their last seven games. That's provided a nice bump to their 11-2 record this season. For those keeping track at home, that's the closest win they have posted since April 20, 2024.
Like Clinton County, McCreary Central also got a great game from a two-way player: Kolton Summers. He didn't allow a single earned run over 5.1 innings pitched. Summers 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, going 1-for-3 with two runs, one stolen base, and one double.
In other pitching news, Kase Spradlin looked comfortable as he pitched 1.2 innings while giving up no earned runs off one hit. He has been nothing but reliable on the mound: he hasn't given up more than two hits in three consecutive appearances.
Back at the plate, Tristen West was incredible, going a perfect 3-for-3 with two runs, one stolen base, and one RBI. He has been hot, having posted at least one stolen base the last five times he's played. Joshua Weaver was another key player, getting on base in all four of his plate appearances with one run and one double.
Both teams will have to hit the road in their upcoming games. Clinton County will challenge Owensboro Catholic at 12:00 p.m. on Saturday. The Aces' pitching crew has only allowed 3.8 runs per game this season, so the Bulldogs' hitters will have their work cut out for them. As for McCreary Central, they will square off against Cumberland County at 5:30 p.m. on Friday.
