LONDON — It’s been one impressive yet challenging week for Trey Smith’s South Laurel Cardinals, who picked up two wins over Corbin in 50th District play, and can now add Thursday’s 5-3 win over crosstown rival North Laurel.
The win also improved the Cardinals to 17-5 while the Jaguars fall to 11-12.
“So proud of our boys this week. I don’t know who made the schedule that had us playing rival after rival, but I do know I sure am proud of them so far,” Smith said. “ I know I’m proud of them so far. They’ve showed up every single play and to be able to not be fatigued and keep their composure coming out of the district schedule, and get a win today is impressive.”
South Laurel received 4.1 innings of pitching from Jacob Culler, who had only thrown six innings in three appearances on the mound before Thursday’s game.
He limited North Laurel to only three hits and two earned runs while striking out two batters.
“Jacob came out and threw a great game for us,” Smith said. “He is someone we are going to be relying on even more in the future. I am really proud of the way he threw tonight.”
Keaton Creech came in relief and threw 2.2 scoreless innings, limiting the Jaguars to only one hit while striking out a batter.
At the plate, Waylon Hensley went 2-for-2 with an RBI, and two runs scored while Creech delivered two hits, and an RBI. Reece Noble delivered two hits, and scored once while Jack Vaughn and Keaton Smith both had a hit apiece. Tyler Curry drove in a run while Will Alsip scored once.
“I’m happy with the way we are playing right now, but listen, any coach that’s not saying they’re not things that need to be fixed would be lying,” Smith said. “Our job right now is to continue to improve and be the best version of ourselves heading into the district tournament.”
Cam Hinkle led the Jaguars with two hits while Cam Smith and Cooper Parman both had a hit apiece. Bradyn Evans drove in a run while Cooper Elza scored once.
“Tanner Houchens and Eli Holt threw well tonight,” North Laurel coach Darren McWhorter said. “We were a play away from making it very interesting tonight. We still had our chances had runners in scoring position just never got the big hit and left runners in scoring position. We will try it again tomorrow.”
