LONDON — Jathan Collins drove in three runs while Johnathan Hobbs collected three hits as Knox Central continued its torrid late-season stretch with a 9-2 win over Corbin in semifinal action of the 13th Region Baseball Tournament on Wednesday at North Laurel.
The Panthers, winners of 21 straight games, improved to 28-6 and advanced to the 13th Region championship game where they will face Whitley County. Corbin’s season ended at 20-16.
“I don’t know where to start,” Knox Central coach Mike Bright said. “Easton Ramsey was a load tonight. He competed his tail off all night couldn’t be more proud of him. Offensively, we were good throughout the lineup. We played a complete game. This is a special group of kids.”
Knox Central pounded out 13 hits in the victory and took control with a four-run fourth inning after leading 4-1 through the opening three frames.
Collins finished 2-for-3 with a double and three RBI while Hobbs went 3-for-4 with two runs scored and an RBI. Hayden Melton added two hits, two RBI and two runs scored while Brady Engle and Tate Marcum each collected two hits.
Trevor Smith and Matthew Powenski each drove in a run for the Panthers.
Corbin stayed within striking distance early after Cam Estep doubled twice and Landon Walters added a triple and RBI. Trey Person also tripled for the Redhounds.
Easton Ramsey earned the win on the mound for Knox Central after allowing two runs, one earned, on five hits over six innings while striking out six. Melton tossed a scoreless seventh inning in relief.
Malachi Zachery suffered the loss for Corbin after allowing four runs over 2.2 innings.
