Robinson Creek, Ky. — Lawrence Co. went down to defeat on Wednesday night in the 15th region title game 12-2 in five innings to Johnson Central at Shelby Valley. The Dawgs finished the season with a record of 26-10 and played in the last three 15th region championship games winning the title last year over Johnson Central. Lawrence Co. has been in the 15th region for 11 years and been in the title game 7 times.
The Dawgs got one in the first after Johnson Central starter Tate Meade walked Morgan Miller, Zach Keesee had one of the best at bats I have ever seen at any level fouling off nine straight pitches before walking and Brock Turner also walked to load the bases.
Johnson Central replaced Meade with Josh Hitchcock who was met by Chase Coverdale who hit a deep fly ball to center field scoring Miller and after getting another out, Austin Bailey smoked one right at the Left fielder for the third out and the Dawgs settled for one run.
Chase Coverdale started in the mound for the Bulldogs but only recorded one out before giving way to CJ Fairchild but not before the Golden Eagles got four runs in the bottom of the first. JC got 6 more in the second inning to take a commanding 10-1 lead.
The Dawgs got one back in the third on a Jarrett Fairchild single that scored Coverdale before the lightning and rain hit for a two hour delay. JC got one in the fourth and one in the fifth to end the ballgame at 12-2 when the mercy rule was invoked..
This senior class won 97 games, played in three region finals winning one along with two district titles. The eight seniors will definitely be missed and were a pleasure to work with the last two years. they made my job easy.
Johnson Central will play the winner of the 9th region next Thursday in the opening round of the State Tournament.
LC 1 0 1 0 0- 2
JC 4 6 0 1 1- 12
All 15th Region team from Lawrence Co.
Lawrence Co. Head Coach Travis Feltner
COACH’S COMMENT
“… The umpiring was horrible both ways and I don’t care to say it. JC got the big one out and two hits in the gap, we had the same chances and hit some balls well but tip your hat to them they made big plays in the early innings.” This bunch has taken the torch and carried it for us and I’m very proud of that. This senior class fell just short of 100 wins which is really hard to do.” I’m really proud of all 8 seniors, they have given me most of their teenage years and have sacrificed a lot, I’m not great with words and not sure who is, but looking at those seniors who are broken hearted they need to know life lessons are to be learned in defeat and victory.” I want to say thank you to every one of them from the bottom of my heart, hopefully they get something out of like work ethic, commitment, being a good teammate, and function as a team.” I’m confident that all 8 of them have a chance to move on and be successful in life and that is all I can hope for.”
