LONDON — Tournament-favorite Whitley County wasted little time flexing its muscle in Monday’s opening round of the 13th Region Baseball Tournament.
The Colonels exploded for 14 runs over the first two innings and rolled past Jackson County, 17-2, in a four-inning shortened contest.
Whitley County improved to 36-3 on the season while Jackson County finished its year at 12-19.
“Proud of how are guys came out and took care of business,” Whitley County coach Jeremy Shope said. “We wanted to come out and do damage with our bats. We had 10 hits in three innings. We were able to end the game early and preserve some pitching. Kip and Trey pitched well for us. Putting up runs sure makes it easier. We’re excited to advance. Look forward to playing tomorrow. Go Colonels.”
The Colonels struck for five runs in the opening inning before erupting for nine more in the second to put the game out of reach early. Whitley County added one run in the third and two more in the fourth while pounding out 10 hits and drawing 11 walks.
Luke Hillard turned in a huge day at the plate, finishing 2-for-2 with a triple, three RBI and two runs scored. Cooper Parman went 2-for-4 with a triple and RBI while Ethan Allen doubled, drove in two runs and scored twice.
Caden Mountjoy added an RBI and scored once while Spencer Bargo drove in two runs. Ty Petrey finished 2-for-2 with an RBI and three runs scored while Henry Bowling scored four times and added an RBI.
Kip Allen earned the win on the mound after allowing just three hits and no earned runs over two innings while striking out two. Trey Walton tossed two scoreless innings in relief, allowing only two hits while striking out three.
Jackson County managed five hits in the loss with Jameson Roark leading the way by going 2-for-2 with an RBI. Elijah Thomas and Davin Seals each doubled while Michael Sparks also collected a hit.
The Generals used five pitchers in the contest with Ashton Clemons taking the loss.
