WILLIAMSBURG — The South Laurel Cardinals wasted little time making an early-season statement.
Behind a balanced offensive attack and strong pitching, South Laurel rolled past the Harlan County Black Bears 12-2 Thursday at the University of the Cumberlands to open the season at 1-0.
The Cardinals took control early and never looked back, scoring in each of the first five innings — highlighted by a six-run third inning that broke the game open.
“It was great team win tonight,” South Laurel coach Trey Smith said. “We had a lot contributions from different guys offensively. I was really happy to see our young pitchers go out there and throw the ball so well early in the season. There was a lot of positive things tonight from our team that we can build on moving forward.”
Jamison West led the charge at the plate, going 3-for-3 with two RBI and multiple extra-base hits.
Waylon Hensley added two hits and scored twice while Jacob Culler drove in a run and crossed the plate twice.
Brody Garland delivered the biggest swing of the night with a home run, finishing with a run scored and an RBI.
On the mound, Isaac Alsip earned the win, allowing just one run on two hits over three strong innings while striking out two. Landon Jackson followed with two solid innings in relief to help secure the victory.
South Laurel finished with 12 runs on 12 hits, while limiting Harlan County to just three hits on the night.
