Bell County is 2-8 against Knox Central since May of 2021 but they'll have a chance to close the gap a little bit on Thursday. The Bobcats will head out on the road to challenge the Panthers at 6:00 p.m. Each of these teams will be battling to keep a six-game winning streak alive.
On Tuesday, Bell County made easy work of Middlesboro and carried off an 11-1 victory. The Bobcats might be getting used to big wins seeing as the team has won eight contests by seven runs or more this season.
Alex Creech was a standout: he got on base in all three of his plate appearances with one stolen base, one run, and one RBI. That stolen base was his first of the season. Dalton Black was another key player, getting on base in all three of his plate appearances with two stolen bases and three runs.
Bell County always had someone on base and finished the game having posted an OBP of .571. That was just more of the same: they've now posted an OBP of .561 or higher in three consecutive games.
Meanwhile, it was a proper cat-fight when Knox Central challenged Barbourville on Tuesday. The Panthers' pitcher stepped up to hand the Tigers a 15-0 shutout. The Panthers are also no stranger to big wins: their blowout was the eighth matchup they've won by 6+ runs this season.
Matthew Powenski was a major factor while hitting and pitching. He didn't allow a single earned run and allowed only two hits over four innings pitched. He has been consistent: he hasn't given up more than two walks in five consecutive appearances. He was also stellar in the batter's box, going a perfect 3-for-3 with four RBI and one double. Those four RBI gave him a new career-high.
In other batting news, Trevor Smith and Brady Engle did most of the damage at the plate: Smith got on base in all four of his plate appearances with four stolen bases, four runs, and one double, while Engle got on base in all four of his plate appearances with three stolen bases, four runs, and one double. Engle is on a roll when it comes to stolen bases, as he's now snagged at least one in each of the last three games he's played. The team also got some help courtesy of Bentley Cobb, who earned four runs and two stolen bases.
Bell County's record is now 10-5. As for Knox Central, their record now sits at 13-6.
Thursday's contest will be a test for both teams' pitchers. Bell County hasn't had any issues making contact this season, having earned a batting average of .338. However, it's not like Knox Central struggles in that department as they've averaged .329. With both teams so capable at the plate, fans should be ready for an impressive hitting performance.
Bell County couldn't quite get it done against Knox Central in their previous meeting back in March as they fell 11-6. Can the Bobcats avenge their defeat or is history doomed to repeat itself? We'll find out soon enough.
