Barbourville is 0-10 against Knox Central since May of 2019 but things could change on Tuesday. The Tigers will square off against the Panthers at 6:00 p.m. Barbourville has given up an average of 8 runs per game this season, but Tuesday's game will give them a chance to turn things around.
Barbourville is headed into Tuesday's match looking for a big change in momentum after dropping their ninth straight game on Friday. They lost 11-4 to McCreary Central.
Caiden Miracle made the most of his time at bat despite the final result and went 3-for-4 with two runs, one stolen base, and one double. That double marked the first that he has hit this season. Luke Hillard was another key player, going 2-for-3 with two RBI and one double.
Meanwhile, Knox Central had already won six in a row (a stretch where they outscored their opponents by an average of 8.3 runs) and they went ahead and made it seven on Monday. Their pitcher stepped up to hand the Wildcats a 16-0 shutout.
Knox Central got a massive performance out of Grant Miller, who went a perfect 1-for-1 with one home run, four RBI, and two runs. Those four RBI gave Miller a new career-high. Another player making a difference was Brady Engle, who went 1-for-2 with three runs, three RBI, and one stolen base.
Knox Central was getting hits left and right and finished the game having posted a batting average of .385. They are a perfect 3-0 when they post a batting average of .375 or better.
Knox Central pushed their record up to 10-11 with the win, which was their fourth straight at home. Those home victories came thanks in part to their pitching effort, having only surrendered 0.3 runs on average over those games. As for Barbourville, their defeat dropped their record down to 14-13.
Tuesday's contest might come down to which pitcher can control the ball better. Barbourville has hit smart this season, having averaged an OBP of .434. However, it's not like Knox Central struggles in that department as they've averaged .441. With both teams so capable at the plate, fans should be ready for an impressive hitting performance.
Barbourville suffered a grim 13-0 defeat to Knox Central when the teams last played back in April. Can the Tigers avenge their loss or is history doomed to repeat itself? We'll find out soon enough.
