A dominant performance from Luke Hayes led the Taylor County Varsity Cardinals to a decisive 19-5 victory over Green County Varsity on Wednesday at North Hardin. Hayes drove in five runs on three hits, with key contributions coming in the second, fifth, and sixth innings to power the Cardinals’ offense.
The game got off to a strong start for Green County, with Larson Matney’s first-inning single putting the Dragons up 1-0. However, Taylor County quickly responded, flipping the script in the top of the second. After a leadoff walk, the Cardinals erupted for five runs on just two hits. Hayes was the catalyst, singling with two outs on an 0-2 count to drive in two runs, giving Taylor County a 5-1 lead they wouldn’t relinquish.
From there, the Cardinals’ offense never slowed down. In the top of the fifth inning, Taylor County scored six more runs on four hits, highlighted by JT Johns’ two-RBI single. Hayes came through again with another single, driving in two more runs, while walks to Reace Vaughn and Grayson Kearney helped add to the Cardinals’ growing lead.
The sixth inning was another barrage, with the Cardinals scoring eight more runs. Walks played a significant role in the inning as Taylor County showed patience at the plate. Kearney, Layken Lyons, and Hayes each walked and scored, while McLean singled in two more runs. The Cardinals also saw strong offensive contributions from Isaac Burress, Baker Cox, and Vaughn, all of whom helped the team tack on additional runs.
While the game was already well in hand, Green County’s Drew Squires provided a highlight for the home team in the bottom of the sixth. Squires crushed a two-run home run to left field, cutting into the lead but not enough to mount a serious rally.
On the mound, Taylor County’s Gabe Cole picked up the win, allowing three hits and three runs (two earned) over three innings. He struck out four batters while walking four. Green County’s Squires, who took the loss, pitched one and two-thirds innings, giving up five runs on two hits. Taylor County’s bullpen also performed well, with Kearney and Johns providing relief, with Johns earning the save.
The Cardinals’ offense was clicking on all cylinders, racking up 10 hits and drawing 15 walks. McLean and Kearney led the way with multiple hits, while Vaughn, Austin Garrett, and Lyons each walked twice. Taylor County also showcased solid defense, turning one double play during the contest.
With a complete team effort at the plate and strong pitching, the Taylor County Cardinals emerged victorious.