CORBIN — What a difference a half inning makes.
After spotting Harlan County a five-run lead in the top of the first inning, North Laurel went to work.
The Lady Jaguars’ bats were white-hot, tagging the Lady Black Bears’ pitching with 17 hits while scoring 22 unanswered runs during their 22-5 route in first round action of the 13th Region Fastpitch Tournament.
“Harlan County came into this game ready to go and before we could get settled, we’re behind 5-0,” North Laurel coach Chris Edwards said. They punched us right in the mouth. I am happy that we were able to respond in a good way. We stopped the bleeding and got back into the game.”
Edwards’ squad scored three runs in the bottom of the first before tallying eight runs in the second and third innings, pushing their lead to 19-5.
North Laurel (25-9) put the finishing touches on its win with three runs in the bottom of the fourth inning.
“It was a good team win tonight,” he said. “No errors on defense again tonight. We picked each other up tonight and played for each other. Multiple girls got into the game and contributed. Now we have to be happy that we advanced but we have to have a short memory and get ready for the next game. These games and this tourney are such a grind and I hope we keep up the good that we take from tonight. Go Jags.”
The Lady Jaguars’ 22-runs are the most they’ve scored against an opponent this season, surpassing their 21-run output against Jackson County on April 23.
North Laurel connected with eight extra base hits which included Bella Sizemore’s two home runs. She finished three hits, five RBI, and three runs scored while Katie Keen connected with a home run, finishing with one hit, four RBI, and two runs scored. Saige McClure was perfect at the plate with a 4-for-4 effort that included a double and a triple. She drove in five runs and scored three times. Bella Finley was 2-for-2 with three RBI, and three runs scored while Megan Edwards turned in a 2-for-2 effort while driving in three runs, and scoring once. Katie Sams finished with a hit and two runs scored while Braylee Fawbush, and Brindalyn Fawbush added a hit apiece. Brindalyn Fawbush also scored a run. Ellie Adams collected two hits, and an RBI while scoring once.
“We had multiple hits from Saige McClure, Bella Sizemore, Ellie Adams, Bella Finley and Morgan Edwards — 17 hits in total and eight extra base hits tonight,” Edwards said. “We had a good game plan at the plate tonight and we executed it well. We saw the ball very well tonight.”
Tessa Monhollen started the game, lasting only 1/3 of an inning while allowing four hits and five earned runs. She struck out one batter. Emma Carl got the win, pitching 3 2/3 of an inning while allowing only two hits and no earned runs. She finished with five strikeouts.
Rylie Maggard led the Lady Black Bears with a grand slam, four RBI, and one run scored. Brittleigh Estep finished with a hit, an RBI, and a run scored while Leslie Brown added a team-best two hits. Aviya Halcomb had a hit while Halanah Shepherd finished with a hit and a run scored.
Alexis Adams took the loss, surrendering 17 hits, and 17 earned runs while striking out four batters.
