Tigers top Cardinals 9-1

STAFF REPORT

BSN

PAINTSVILLE — Paintsville pulled away to defeat Martin County 9-1 in the semifinals of the 57th District Baseball Tournament at Johnson Central High School on Tuesday, May 17.

The Tigers scored first and never trailed in the district tournament matchup. Moving ahead early, Paintsville plated two runs in the bottom half of the first inning.

The Tigers led 9-1 at the conclusion of the fifth frame.

Connor Fugate earned the win in the circle for the Tigers. Fugate allowed one run on four hits and one walk while recording 14 strikeouts over six and two-thirds innings.

Chase Preece took the loss on the mound for the Cardinals.

Paintsville outhit Martin County 9-4 and committed only one error.

Jonah Porter and Baron Ratliff provided two hits apiece for the Tigers in the win. Ratliff drove in two runs.

Porter, Ashton Miller and Gunner Collins each drove in one run for the Tigers.

Pacing Martin County at the plate, Chase Stacy connected for two hits and drove in the Cardinals’ lone run.

Defensively, Martin County committed three errors.

Following the win, Paintsville advanced to the 57th District Baseball Tournament title game.

The loss eliminated Martin County from the high school baseball postseason.