PINEVILLE — Knox Central continued its dominant play Monday, scoring 19 runs in the first inning and rolling to a 19-3 victory over Barbourville in the semifinals of the 51st District Baseball Tournament.
The Panthers improved to 25-6 on the season and extended their winning streak to 18 consecutive games.
“Came out hot today scoring 19 in the first inning, led by home runs from Hayden Melton and Easton Ramsey,” Knox Central coach Mike Bright said. “Russell Mills was just as good on the mound.”
Easton Ramsey, and Hayden Melton each homered in the first inning for the Panthers. Melton finished with three RBI while Matthew Powenski also drove in three runs. Ramsey added two RBI, and Trevor Smith, Jathan Collins and Noah Gray each drove in runs.
Melton scored twice and added a home run while Powenski went 1-for-1 with a double, two runs scored and three RBI. Ramsey finished 1-for-1 with two runs scored and two RBIs while Nate Miller and Tate Marcum each collected two hits.
Gray scored twice and drove in a run while Collins crossed the plate twice and added an RBI. Brady Engle also scored twice for the Panthers.
Russell Mills earned the win on the mound after striking out five over two scoreless innings. Zach Carroll worked one inning in relief and struck out two.
Barbourville managed just one hit and committed three errors in the loss.
