JOHN MIDDLETON|Daily Enterprise Harlan County's Katie Johnson tossed to first base after fielding a ground ball during a 14-4 victory over Hazard on Tuesday. Johnson had eight strikeouts to claim the win on the mound.

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The Harlan County Lady Bears quickly shook off a slow to start to earn their first win of the young season on Tuesday. The Lady Bears scored 13 runs in the final three innings on their way to a 14-4 victory over visiting Hazard.

“It took us a few innings to catch up to her, but once we started catching up to her we started pounding the ball,” said Harlan County coach Howard White. “We are going to have to score some runs. “

The Lady Bulldogs opened with a pair of runs in the first inning, before Harlan County answered with one of its own in the bottom half.

Kaitlyn Stittums singled to reach base. She advanced to third on a Savannah Sergent bunt and scored on a single from Regan Nease.

After another Hazard run, Harlan County took the lead with three runs in the bottom of the third inning.

Stittums once again started the offense with a single. Sergent followed with a walk. Bridgette Robinson then delivered a single to drive in Stittums. Sarah Evans drove in Sergent with a single. Katie Johnson singled to bring home Robinson for the final run of the inning.

The Lady Bears took control with three more runs in the fourth inning.

Johnson started with a triple. She scored on a single from Stittums. Sergent reached base on a fielder’s choice. Robinson then drove her in with a single. Robinson later scored on a passed ball.

Stittums, Sergent, Robinson, Evans, Farren Clark, Katie Johnson, and Jesse Johnson each scored in the fifth-inning as Harlan County run-ruled the Lady Bulldogs.

Harlan County pounded out 19 hits in the contest. Katie Johnson had two triples and a single to lead the way. Robinson recorded a double and two singles. Stittums and Sergent each contributed three singles. Evans and Jesse Johnson each had a pair of singles, while Nease, Clark and Whitley Wynn added a single.

Katie Johnson struck out eight batters, while allowing just four hits in the complete-game victory on the mound.

“We have improved a lot since we went over to Jenkins. We just have to have more time on the field,” White said. “The more time we get the better we will be.”

Harlan County (1-1) returns to action Thursday at home against Barbourville. Hazard (0-2) will host Allen Central today.

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Hazard 201 10 — 4 4 1

Harlan County 103 37 — 14 19 5

Maggard and Kilburn; K. Johnson and Robinson. WP — K. Johnson. LP — Maggard