Harlan County and Knox Central are an even 5-5 against one another since May of 2016, but likely not for long. The Black Bears will challenge the Panthers at 6:00 p.m. on Thursday.
Harlan County came out on top against Harlan on Tuesday thanks in part to the team's impressive four-run fourth inning. The Black Bears skirted past the Green Dragons 6-5. For those keeping track at home, that's the closest win the Black Bears have posted since March 14th.
Alexis Adams
| 04/22/25 @ Harlan | 13 |
| 04/17/25 vs Middlesboro | 13 |
| 04/15/25 @ Leslie County | 9 |
| 03/28/25 vs Whitley County | 8 |
| 03/27/25 vs Bell County | 16 |
Alexis Adams was a major factor no matter where she played. She struck out 13 batters over seven innings while giving up five earned runs off only one hit. She has been nothing but reliable on the mound: she hasn't tossed less than eight strikeouts in five consecutive appearances. She was also solid in the batter's box, going 2-for-4 with two doubles and two RBI. That's the most doubles she has posted since back in March.
Adams wasn't the only one making solid contact as five players wound up with at least one hit. One of them was Aly Sherman, who went 1-for-4 with one triple, one run, and one RBI. That triple marked the first that Sherman has hit this season. Another was Maddy Blair, who went 3-for-4 with one run and one RBI.
Harlan County kept the outfield on their toes and finished the game with 11 hits. They easily outclassed their opponents in that department as Harlan only managed one hit.
Meanwhile, neither Knox Central nor Pineville could gain the upper hand on Tuesday so the two teams had to settle for a 3-3 draw.
Blakely Castle spent all seven innings on the mound, and it's clear why: she surrendered three earned runs on ten hits.
Harlan County has been performing well recently as they've won three of their last four matchups. That's provided a massive bump to their 9-11 record this season. Knox Central's tie makes their record 5-6-1 this season.
Knox Central's hitters will have their work cut out for them on Thursday. Harlan County has been retiring batters left and right this season, having averaged 8.3 strikeouts per game. It's a different story for Knox Central, though, as they've been averaging only 2.1 strikeouts. Will Harlan County keep running through batters, or will the Panthers buck the trend?
Harlan County skirted past Knox Central 5-4 in their previous matchup back in May of 2024. The rematch might be a little tougher for the Black Bears since the squad won't have the home-field advantage this time around. We'll see if the change in venue makes a difference.
