Golden Eagles knock off Bulldogs in region title game

BACK-TO-BACK 15TH REGION CHAMPION: Johnson Central claimed its second straight 15th Region baseball championship on Saturday, May 28. Photo courtesy of Johnson Central High School Athletics

STAFF REPORT

BSN

BELFRY — Johnson Central knocked off Lawrence County 4-1 in the 15th Region Baseball Tournament title game at Belfry High School on Saturday, May 28.

Lawrence County scored first in the region title game, plating one run during the bottom half of the first inning. But the Bulldogs were held scoreless throughout the remainder of the region tournament game.

Moving ahead early, Johnson Central scored four runs during its second at-bat.

Hunter Blevins started on the mound for Johnson Central and earned the win. Blevins pitched four innings, allowing one run on one hit while striking out one.

Conner Lemaster closed out the game on the mound for the Golden Eagles. Lemaster pitched three innings, holding Lawrence County scoreless. Working out of a relief role, Lemaster allowed one hit and two walks while recording five strikeouts.

Blue Fletcher started on the mound for Lawrence County and took the loss. Fletcher pitched two innings, allowing four runs on four hits while striking out two.

Talon Pollock, Will Lafferty, Jake Derifield, and Eli Fletcher each pitched in relief for the Bulldogs.

Cole Ward drove in two runs for the Golden Eagles.

Luke Patton and Braydan Maynard each collected one hit to lead Lawrence County in the setback.

Following the win, Johnson Central advances to the KHSAA Baseball State Tournament. Johnson Central is scheduled to face 10th Region champion Campbell County in the opening round of the KHSAA Baseball State Tournament at the University of Kentucky’s Kentucky Proud Park at 8:30 p.m. on Friday, June 3.