BY BOO NEWSOME
MOUNTAIN CITIZEN

PAINTSVILLE — Johnson Central rolled past the Lady Cardinals 15-0 in four innings in the opening round of the 57th District Softball Tournament played May 15 at Paintsville.

Kylee Blair toed the rubber for the Eagles, giving up no runs on one hit while striking out seven.

The Eagles started the game with a lead-off blast home run by Mayson Delong. Central erupted for four more runs in the first inning. When the dust settled at the end of one, Johnson Central had scored five runs to take a 5-0 lead.

The Eagles were not finished, as they exploded for eight runs in the bottom of the second to go up 13-0. Delong struck again for her second home run of the game. Abbie Stambaugh also hit a dinger over the left-field fence.

The Lady Cards had no answer for the Eagles’ explosive offense.

Kaylee Endicott led off in the top of the third inning with a single, then Bella Muncy and Smith reached base on an error.

The Eagles went on to score one run in the third and one in the fourth to end the game by mercy rule.

Savannah Young started her last game on the mound as a Cardinal for the loss.

Endicott was the only Cardinal to get a hit.

Martin County ended the season with an 8-14 record.

Johnson Central improved to 23-9, advancing to the district championship and earning a ticket to the 15th Region Softball Tournament.