June 4, 2018
Bulldogs lose ‘heartbreaker’ in Region 15 semifinals to Tigers
PAINTSVILLE, KY — In a game that ended at 12:02 Saturday morning it was Paintsville (25-12) eliminating Lawrence Co. 3-2 in the semifinals of the 15th Region tournament at Johnson Central.
Paintsville scored an unearned run in the top of the seventh to break a 2-2 tie and then held on for the victory.
Lawrence Co. ended the season at 31-8 and had chances during the game to seize control but couldn’t get the big hit.
Southpaw 8th Grader Bryce Blevins was outstanding in his 7 and 2/3 innings on the mound.
The Tigers scored a run in the first on a RBI groundout, a run in the 4th on a bases loaded walk, and in the seventh on an error which was a really tough play with two outs.
For the Dawgs offensively they only mustered three hits but had plenty of bases runners in scoring position. Jarrett Fairchild doubled and scored, Peyton Cyrus singled and scored, Tyler Maynard singled, and CJ Fairchild had an RBI sacrifice fly.
Lawrence Co. Head Coach Travis Feltner
COACH’S COMMENTS
“… We had our chances and just missed some opportunities, had the right guys up in some key situations and it just didn’t work out. It was a great ballgame and taking nothing away from Paintsville, they made the pitches and the plays when they needed to.”
“… Bryce was great tonight and CJ came in and gave us a chance to win with the huge strikeout in a one run game. We had some tough luck defensively and it cost us.”
“… Nothing against the teams playing on the title game, but tonight was the Championship game in my opinion. Those two cross town rivals will get after each other.”
“…The five seniors starting with Dakota. He has been a great teammate an unbelievable presence and very important to our team.”
“… With Jarrett (Fairchild), we have had a rocky past and he was awesome this year. He was at the forefront this season, he has played at a high level all year I was hoping he would get one more chance so he could hit one in the football field.”
“… Peyton is one the most talented kids I have ever coached, hands down, bar none. He had a great year after battling injuries last season and little bit this year.”
“… When Kade came in as a freshman he was weak, slow and I can’t name a day or days that he missed from offseason workouts to anything we did. He made himself an every day starter and a pitcher for us.”
“… Brad is one my favorite kids that I have ever coached. Not one bad practice his entire career was never late, played hurt, played multiple positions and never complained one bit. I’m excited for him he is going to continue playing at the next level.”