LONDON — South Laurel did just enough late to turn back Madison Central, scoring six runs over the final three innings to pull out a 9-7 win on Friday.
Trailing early, the Cardinals stayed within striking distance before breaking through in the middle innings.
South Laurel (14-8) scored two runs in the fourth to tie things up, then took control with a three-run fifth inning and added three more in the sixth inning.
“I’m excited to see the fight my team has right now,” South Laurel coach Trey Smith said. “We competed at the plate tonight at a high level against a very good pitcher. Games like this only make us better down the stretch. Everything is a learning opportunity for us. Just have to keep getting better everyday.”
Quinn Strunk led the way, scoring twice and driving in two runs while Brody Garland and Carter Kelley each added two hits. Bryson Turner chipped in with a pair of RBI, and the Cardinals pieced together nine hits as a team.
Madison Central jumped out to a 2-0 lead in the first and added two more in the fourth, but South Laurel answered each time before taking its first lead in the fifth inning.
The Indians made one last push with three runs in the seventh inning, but the Cardinals were able to hold on down the stretch.
Jacob Culler picked up the win in relief, allowing two runs over 3.1 innings while striking out one. Jackson Catching added three strikeouts over three innings of work.
