LONDON — Knox Central kept its remarkable season alive Monday in dramatic fashion, rallying from four runs down late to stun Bell County, 7-6, in first round action of the 13th Region Baseball Tournament at North Laurel.
The Panthers trailed 6-2 entering the bottom of the sixth inning before scoring three runs to pull within one.
Knox Central then completed the comeback in chaotic fashion in the bottom of the seventh.
Trailing 6-5 with the bases loaded, Johnathan Hobbs hit a ground ball that resulted in a fielder’s choice off the bat to Bell County shortstop Cooper Brock and second baseman Ayden Smith. Bentley Cobb scored on the play before Landen Daugherty crossed the plate on after a throw to first, giving the Panthers a walk-off victory.
Knox Central improved to 27-6 on the season while extending its winning streak to 20 consecutive games. Bell County finished its season at 14-11.
Trevor Smith led the Panthers offensively, going 3-for-4 with three RBI, a double and a stolen base. Hayden Melton added a triple and two RBI while Hobbs scored twice and drove in another run.
Easton Ramsey picked up the win in relief, tossing a scoreless seventh inning while allowing no hits.
Bell County appeared in control for much of the game after scoring five runs in the top of the sixth inning to grab a 6-2 advantage.
Cooper Brock paced the Bobcats offensively, finishing 2-for-4 with two RBI and two stolen bases. Holden Clark doubled and drove in a run while Brayden Carroll added an RBI and struck out seven over 5.1 innings on the mound.
