MANCHESTER — Clay County and Middlesboro combined for 23 runs, and 20 hits during Friday’s 13th Region battle that saw the Tigers do just enough to pull out a 12-11 win.
Clay County (15-10-1) overcame six errors that led to 10 unearned runs as Talan Marcum pitched 5 2/3 of an innings allowing only five hits and one earned run while striking out four batters. Luke Hillard got the win, pitching the final 1 2/3 of an inning while allowing three hits, and no earned runs.
Jason Smith’s squad trailed 11-8 entering the bottom of the seventh inning before rallying for four runs to get the win.
“Defensively, we put ourselves in a tough spot but we fought hard the entire game and was able to make a late charge and get the win,” Smith said.
Rate Rice led the way at the plate with two hits, and five RBI while Hayden Crockett finished with two hits, two RBI, and three runs scored. Brandin Crawford had two hits, one RBI, and two runs scored while Ethan Jackson finished with two hits. Marvin drove in two runs while Aiden Wagers had two hits, and scored once. Zach Saylor was 1-for-4 with an RBI, and two runs scored. Aidan Roberts finished with a hit, and a run scored.
