Bulldogs fall to Johnson Central in region title game

STAFF REPORT

BSN

LICK CREEK — Lawrence County led early but faltered as Johnson Central overcame a slow start to pull away to win 8-3 in the 15th Region Baseball Tournament title game at East Ridge High School on Monday, June 7.

The win allowed Johnson Central to advance to the state tournament.

Following the loss, Lawrence County concluded the 2021 high school season 28-9.

Gavin Crum earned the win on the mound for the Golden Eagles. Crum pitched six and two-thirds innings, allowing three runs on six hits and five walks.

Blue Fletcher started the game on mound for Lawrence County and took the pitching loss. Fletcher allowed four runs on one hit over three innings, striking out two.

Jacob Fletcher and Jake Derifield each pitched in relief for the Bulldogs, throwing two and two-thirds innings and one-third of an inning, respectively.

Trailing 2-0, Johnson Central erupted for five runs in the bottom half of the fourth inning. The Golden Eagles moved ahead and never trailed again.

Johnson Central scored eight runs on five hits.

Josh Slone led Johnson Central at the plate, finish 2-for-3. Slone, Matt Crum and Mason Kestner each drove in two runs for the Golden Eagles.

Ryan Sartin-Slone doubled for Johnson in the region championship-clinching victory.

Bryce Blevins went 2-for-3 at the plate to lead Lawrence County's offensive effort.

Johnson Central moved on to meet 14th Region champion Hazard in the KHSAA State Baseball Tournament.