BY BRITTNI MCCOY
MOUNTAIN CITIZEN
The Martin County Cardinals endured a challenging three-game stretch last week, falling to Belfry, Powell County and Prestonsburg.
BHS 15, MC 0 (4 innings)
Martin County was limited to just two hits in a four-inning loss to Belfry in the 15th Region All “A” Classic, April 7.
Brayden Hammond went 1-for-1 to lead the Cardinals at the plate and Caige Presley finished 1-for-2. Aidan Mann walked to reach first base.
On the mound, Knox Maynard worked two innings, allowing eight runs (four earned) on four hits with two walks and one strikeout over 50 pitches. Tyler Stacy followed with 1.1 innings and surrendered seven runs (two earned) on six hits with one walk. The Cardinals issued three walks and struck out one as a staff.
PC 2, MC 0
Martin County responded with a much stronger effort defensively, holding Powell County to just two runs in a competitive loss April 11 in the Cardinal Classic in Inez.
The Cardinals collected three hits led by Presley. He went 2-for-3 with a double. Dylan Hale added a hit on the day.
Hunter Moore delivered a strong start pitching six innings. He allowed only two earned runs on six hits with two walks and two strikeouts across 89 pitches. Skyler Green provided a clean inning of relief, striking out one in a scoreless frame.
PHS 10, MC 4
The Cardinals showed improved offensive production later in the day, April 11, in the Cardinal Classic against the Blackcats.
Dylan Spence led the offense batting 1-for-2. He scored two runs and reached base after being hit by a pitch. Gunner Broaddus went 1-for-2 with an RBI. Gavin Grace, Mann, and Noah Bowens each added a hit.
Hale and Green each crossed home for the Cards.
On the mound, Presley started and took the loss. He allowed four runs on four hits over two innings with two walks and one strikeout.
Tyler Stacy tossed three innings, allowing four runs (none earned) on four hits with three walks and one strikeout.
Broaddus added two innings of relief. He gave up only two runs on three hits with one walk and one strikeout.
Martin County was scheduled to face Paintsville in a 57th District matchup on April 14. The Cards travel to take on the Tigers at 6 p.m. April 15. The squad will play at Alice Lloyd College against Knott Central and Lawrence County. They have another 57th matchup at Magoffin on April 20 and host the Hornets the following evening in Inez.