Pikeville edges Johnson Central to win 15th Region title

Pikeville edged Johnson Central 8-7 in eight innings in the 15th Regional Baseball Tournament Championship game on Wednesday, May 24. Photo courtesy of Pikeville High School

STAFF REPORT

BSN

PRESTONSBURG — Pikeville plated one run in the top half of the eighth inning and held on to edge Johnson Central 8-7 in the 15th Region Baseball Tournament championship game at StoneCrest on Wednesday, May 24.

Under the direction of Coach Shane Simpkins, Pikeville captured its first 15th Region title since 2012.

Jackson Hall scored the winning run for Pikeville when Bradyn Hall laid down a bunt that ultimately went for a hit.

Making an impact offensively and defensively, Jackson Hall claimed the win on the mound for the Panthers. Hall pitched two innings in relief, allowing two hits while striking out one Johnson Central batter.

Johnson Central pitcher Brock Butcher absorbed the loss on the mound. Butcher pitched three and one-third innings in relief, allowing two runs on three hits while recording two strikeouts.

After suffering the loss, Johnson Central exited the 2023 high school baseball season 22-15.

Pikeville (24-11) will meet 10th Region Champion Harrison County in the opening round of the KHSAA Baseball State Tournament at Counter Clocks Field in Lexington on Friday, June 2. First pitch for the Pikeville-Harrison County game is set for 5 p.m.