LONDON — South Laurel finally found its breakthrough Thursday.
After dropping five straight games entering the rivalry matchup, the Cardinals snapped the skid with a 6-5 victory over North Laurel at home, improving to 21-14 on the season.
North Laurel fell to 16-14 after the Jaguars’ late comeback effort came up short.
“It was a great game to finish the season on,” South Laurel coach Trey Smith said. “We have played a very difficult schedule and our guys have battled every game. I’m extremely proud of how our guys have played. Now its time for a new challenge. Go South.”
South Laurel jumped out quickly with three runs in the first inning, and held the lead throughout the game.
Carter Kelley powered the Cardinals at the plate, going 2-for-4 with a home run, two RBI and two runs scored. Quinn Strunk added a double and drove in two runs, while Wilkelver Gaviria-Zuleta doubled and knocked in another run.
Jackson Catching and Bryson Turner each added hits and scored runs for South Laurel, which totaled eight hits in the win.
North Laurel answered late with three runs in the sixth inning to pull within one. Cameron Smith led the Jaguars by hitting two home runs and driving in two runs while scoring twice. Ashton Napier added two hits while Colton Stewart collected two hits and an RBI.
Jackson Catching earned the win in relief for South Laurel after allowing three runs over four innings with three strikeouts. Waylon Hensley started and struck out five over the opening three innings.
Zac Johnston took the loss for North Laurel despite striking out four over five innings. The Jaguars finished with eight hits but committed three errors in the loss.
