BARBOURVILLE — Knox Central erupted for eight runs in the opening inning and never looked back, cruising to a 12-0 win over Martin County in five innings on Saturday.
The Panthers (2-0) wasted no time setting the tone, sending 13 batters to the plate in a dominant first inning that put the game out of reach early. Knox Central added two runs in the second, one in the third, and another in the fourth to complete the run-rule victory.
“Our guys came out ready to play today,” Knox Central coach Mike Bright said. “We had a very good approaches at the plate top to bottom. Big offensive day from Brady Engle 3-for-3 and Hayden melton had a home run and a triple. Matthew Powenski just missed a home run as well. Easton Ramsey and Powenski threw very well couldn’t ask for more out of them today — combined 10 Ks and one walk.”
Brady Engle led the offensive attack, going 3-for-3 with four RBIs and two runs scored, while Hayden Melton delivered a huge performance with two hits, including a triple and a home run, driving in three runs.
Matt Powenski added two hits, two runs scored, and an RBI, and Trevor Smith scored twice as Knox Central’s lineup produced 12 runs on nine hits. Tate Marcum also delivered a hit in the win.
On the mound, Easton Ramsey was dominant, tossing three shutout innings while allowing just two hits and striking out seven. Powenski followed with two scoreless innings, striking out three to complete the combined shutout.
Knox Central’s pitching staff held Martin County to just three hits while striking out 10 in the game.
