Senior pitcher Austin Bartrug and the Laker defense put together a strong performance in last night’s region semifinal, leading the Lakers to a 6-2 victory over the Greenwood Gators.
Bartrug got the nod as the starter and delivered in a big way, as the Gators didn’t record a hit until the 6th inning.
The Lakers jumped out to an early 3-0 lead after the first two innings, and then added 3 more runs in the 6th inning. The Gators scored a run in the 6th inning and a run in the 7th to attempt a comeback, but fellow senior Lincoln Helm entered in the 7th and earned the final two outs to secure the victory.
Bartrug finished the day giving up 3 hits and 2 runs over 6 1/3 innings, while striking out 4.
At the plate, several Lakers had strong performances. Jack Shearer and Owen Loy each finished with 2 hits, and Shearer drove in a pair of runs. Trace Stringer and Mason Jasper each drove in two runs as well.
The Lakers are back in action at Nick Denes Field at Western Kentucky University to take on the Warren East Raiders for the 4th Region Championship tonight.
Warren East defeated Franklin-Simpson 9-3 in yesterday’s other semifinal game.
The Lakers and Raiders have played twice this season, with the Raiders taking both matchups. The Raiders won 10-9 at Warren East on May 2 and 9-2 at Russell County on May 15.
First pitch for tonight’s game is scheduled for 6 p.m. You can catch all the action live right here on Laker Country 104.9 beginning 15 minutes prior to first pitch.
