BY BRITTNI MCCOY
MOUNTAIN CITIZEN

PAINTSVILLE — Martin County took on eventual champ Paintsville in the first round of the 57th District Tournament May 17 at Johnson Central. The Cardinals kept the Tigers within their sights for three solid innings, but Paintsville pulled away in the fourth to win 9-1.

Chase Preece took the mound to begin the game. With a runner on first leading off, catcher Damien Cheek let it fly and picked him off at second. Dennison Davis came in at relief for pitcher, moving Preece to third. Paintsville scored two runs in the first.

Martin County countered with a run of their own in the top of the second. Greyden Proctor and Cheek each singled. Chase Stacy hit a solo shot to right field to advance the runners and score Proctor. Martin County’s at-bat ended after a close call when Cheek tried to steal home.

Davis and his defense held the Tigers scoreless in the bottom of the second. Paintsville only scored one run in the third for a 3-1 tally in a game that was looking to stay close.

The fourth inning was the beginning of the end to the Cardinal season. Errors and walks deflated Martin County and allowed the opponent to score six runs over the next two innings. Senior Colin Horn captured a shining moment in the sixth when he ran down a deep ball in right field with an outstretched arm for the third out.

Chase Moore stepped up for his final at-bat with the Martin County Cardinals. After being socked by a pitch, Moore would end up on second after an error. Chase Stacy grounded into fielder’s choice to conclude the matchup.

Stacy led the way with 2-3 on the day and one RBI. Proctor and Cheek finished with a hit each. Davis saw 44 strikes over the plate.

Martin County finished the season at 7-15 under first-year coach Wesley Hager. The coach says he hopes to work out some kinks in the offseason and come back with a vengeance next season.