Photo by Scott Bailey Harlan County sophomore Scotty Bailey threw to the plate during a recent trip to Myrtle Beach. Bailey recorded eight strikeouts and allowed just two hits Thursday to lead the Bears to an 11-1 victory over Leslie County.

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JOHN MIDDLETON

Sports Editor

The Harlan County Black Bears pushed their current win streak to a season-high nine games Thursday with an 11-1 victory over visiting Leslie County.

The Bears have not only won their last nine outings, but have been impressive in doing so. Thursday’s victory marked the fifth time in the last seven games that Harlan County has won in just five innings.

The Bears have only allowed a combined 13 runs during their current win streak, and sophomore Scotty Bailey was the latest to turn in an impressive performance on the mound. Bailey recorded eight strikeouts and allowed just two hits and one walk in the complete-game victory on the mound.

“(Scotty’s) curve ball location was good, and his knuckle ball was good. I thought he looked good,” said Harlan County coach John Lewis. “We’ve got 12 pitchers and we don’t lose a one of them (next year).”

Senior Eddie Conley had a double and single to pace Harlan County at the plate. Chris Southerland added a double. Bailey, Tyler Boggs, Tyler Dixon and Blake Rutherford each had one single.

“The lower part of our lineup has to be two-strike hitters. That is the only problem I see with them right now,” Lewis said. “When they get behind with ducks on the pond they just have to put it in play. Just hit a ground ball to the first baseman.”

Harlan County (18-2) returns to action Saturday at Corbin, taking on South Warren at 2:30 p.m.and Corbin at 5 p.m. Leslie County (5-8) will host Jackson City today.

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Leslie County 000 10 — 1 2 6

Harlan County 400 25 — 11 7 1

Collett, Pugh (5) and Hubbard: Bailey and Boggs. WP — Bailey (2-0). LP — Collett.