The Taylor County Lady Cards weathered a late-game surge from the Letcher County Central Cougars to secure a 5-3 victory on Saturday, holding strong after building a comfortable lead early.
Taylor County wasted no time getting on the board, capitalizing on a wild pitch in the first inning to bring home the game’s opening run. They padded their lead in the third, making the most of Letcher County’s miscues and some timely hitting. An error brought in another run before Raegan Cundiff knocked an RBI single, and Briley Edwards followed with a two-run double to give the Lady Cards a 5-0 advantage.
The Cougars didn’t go quietly, however. Chipping away at the lead, they mounted a late rally with a pair of singles and a double to close the gap to just two runs. Despite the pressure, Taylor County held firm down the stretch.
Maddie Hunt went the distance in the circle for the Lady Cards, giving up nine hits and three runs over seven innings. She struck out one and walked two in a steady performance. Scarlett Stamper took the loss for Letcher County, striking out seven and walking none over six innings. Of the five runs she allowed, only one was earned.
Offensively, Edwards led the Lady Cards with two RBIs on her lone hit of the day. Riley Sprowles was perfect at the plate, going 3-for-3 and setting the pace from the leadoff spot, while Cundiff chipped in with two hits of her own. Taylor County’s defense also made an impact, turning two double plays to keep the Cougars at bay.
Letcher County was led by Kara Holcomb, Katie Combs, and Kaily Bentley, who each had two hits and one RBI. The Cougars also turned a double play in a game that nearly turned their way.
In the end, early offense and solid defense helped Taylor County survive a late push and come away with the win.