Harlan All-Stars punch ticket to district tourney
Published 7:45 pm Sunday, June 30, 2019
Kim Henson | Harlan Enterprise
Luke Kelly delivered a pitch during Area 4 Tournament action Sunday at Huff Park. Kelly pitched three innings as Harlan advanced with a 15-10 victory over Tri-City.
Held scoreless through three innings by Tri-City ace Alex Creech, the Harlan All-Stars came alive in the second half of Area 4 Tournament action Sunday. Harlan rallied from an early 3-0 deficit then overcame an 8-6 Tri-City lead going into the sixth inning on the way to a 15-10 victory.
“This is the most talented bunch of kids I’ve ever had the pleasure of coaching,” said Harlan coach Lee Freyer after his squad earned a trip to District 4 Tournament competition by taking second in Area 4. “I’m really proud of this group. They just grinded and kept battling back.”
Harlan pounded out 16 hits in the win, led by Jake Brewer and Eli Freyer with a double and two singles each and Baylor Varner with three singles. Jackson Luttrell had a double and single. Brennan Blevins singled twice. Nate Montanaro, Luke Kelly and Gunnar Johnson added one single each.
Kelly pitched the first three innings, giving up four runs on six hits in three innings, with five strikeouts and two walks. Varner allowed four runs on three hits with three strikeout and three walks in 1 2/3 innings. Freyer allowed two runs on two hits with four walks in two-thirds of an inning. Brewer retired both batters he faced to close the game.
Aiden Craig led Tri-City with three singles from the leadoff spot. Brayden Casolari had a double and single. Liam Garland singled twice. Kaden Boggs had a double. Creech, Peyton Jackson and Jordie Jackson added one single each.
Creech gave up six runs on eight hits, with four strikeouts and two walks in 4 2/3 innings. Jackson allowed nine runs on eight hits in 1 1/3 innings, with four strikeouts and two walks.
“Hats off to Alex Creech. He’s a great pitcher,” Freyer said. “It took us two or three times through the order to adjust to him and start hitting the ball. Tri-City is a great team. We started finding holes at the right time.”
Harlan will advance to the District 4 Tournament.
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Harlan 000 519 — 15. 16. 5
Tri-City 300 232 — 10. 11. 6
Kelly, Varner (4), Freyer (5), Brewer (6) and Blevins; Creech, Jackson (5) and Garland, Craig (5). WP — Freyer (1-0). LP — Jackson (1-1).
