Leslie County hasn't had much luck against Breathitt County recently, but that could start to change on Friday. The Eagles will head out to take on the Bobcats at 6:00 p.m. Leslie County has given up an average of 7.6 runs per game this season, but Friday's game will give them a chance to turn things around.
Leslie County is headed into Friday's contest looking for a big change in momentum after dropping their fourth straight game on Thursday. They lost 15-9 to Jackson County.
Caden Shepherd put in work no matter where he played. He pitched three innings while giving up just one earned run off one hit. That's the fewest earned runs he has allowed since back in March. He was also big at the plate, going 2-for-5 with three RBI, one run, and one double.
In other batting news, Rylan Simpson made the most of his time at bat despite the final result and went 3-for-4 with two runs, one triple, and two RBI. Peyton Fouts also deserves some recognition as he hit his first double of the season.
Breathitt County not only won on Thursday, but they posted their biggest win since April 9th (when they won 20-6). Their pitchers stepped up to hand Lee County an 11-0 shutout. The victory continues a trend for Breathitt County in their matchups with Lee County: they've now won eight in a row.
Like Leslie County, Breathitt County also got a great game from a two-way player: Blake Hudson. He looked comfortable on the mound, tossing three innings while giving up no earned runs off one hit. Hudson has been nothing but reliable: he hasn't given up more than two walks in five consecutive appearances. He was also solid in the batter's box, going 2-for-3 with two runs, one stolen base, and one RBI. Breathitt County is 4-1 when Hudson posts two or more runs, but 6-8 otherwise.
In other pitching news, Jake Fugate looked comfortable as he tossed two innings while giving up no earned runs off one hit. He has become a key player for Breathitt County: the team is 3-1 when he allows at most three earned runs, but 7-8 otherwise.
Back at the plate, the team relied heavily on Miles Hollon, who went a perfect 2-for-2 with three stolen bases, two runs, and one RBI. Those three stolen bases gave him a new career-high. The team also got some help courtesy of Sebastian Howard, who got on base in all three of his plate appearances with two runs, one stolen base, and one RBI.
Leslie County's loss dropped their record down to 4-17. As for Breathitt County, they now have a winning record of 10-9.
Leslie County suffered a grim 8-0 defeat to Breathitt County in their previous meeting back in May of 2023. Can the Eagles avenge their defeat or is history doomed to repeat itself? We'll find out soon enough.
