ROBINSON CREEK – Pikeville opened the door of opportunity and Shelby Valley marched through it to win its first 59th District championship in 19 years.
The Wildcats, now 16-15, scored five unearned run and erased a two-run deficit to beat the Panthers, 7-3, at Dale Trivette Field May 20.
Senior Jackson Lockhart-Wierwille, who had signed earlier in the day to play next season at the University of Pikeville, scattered six hits, and outfielder Jeremiah Prater’s catch of Jackson Hensley’s deep drive to right field was the biggest defensive play of the game to help preserve the win.
Pikeville’s Grayson Harris was the losing pitcher as the Panthers dropped to 16-17. He gave up five runs in the fourth inning before giving away to Colton Tackett.
Lincoln Billiter tripled in one run and scored while Gabriel Brown doubled, singled, scored and added an RBI in the win. Hunter Mullins singled in one run and score. Luke Roberts added an RBI single and Samuel Brown singled twice and scored a pair of runs.
Nate Collins had three hits, including a double, and drove in two runs in the loss. He finished the district tournament with six hits and knocked in eight runs.
Drake Potter added an RBI single and Hensley reached base twice and scored both times.
Both will begin 15th Region play Saturday at Floyd Central. The Wildcats will face Belfry at 5 p.m. while the Panthers take on Pike Central at 2 p.m.
At Robinson Creek
(59th District championship)
SCORE BY INNINGS: R-H-E
SV (16-15)….000 500 2 – 7-7-3
PK (16-17)….101 010 0 – 3-6-4
Pitching:
WP – Jackson Lockhart-Wierwille
LP – Grayson Harris
Hitting: Lincoln Billiter 3b, 1r, 1 RBI; Gabriel Brown 2b, 1b, 1r, 1 RBI; Hunter Mullins 1b, 1r, 1 RBI; Luke Roberts 1b, 1 RBI; and Samuel Brown 2-1b, 2r, Shelby Valley. Nate Collins 2b, 2-1b, 2 RBI; Drake Potter 1b, 1 RBI; Jackson Hensley 2r, Pikeville.