In May 21 Issue
By Derek Aaron
Times Journal Sports Editor

Coach David Rexroat's Laker baseball team found a way to win by the slimmest of margins over visiting Metcalfe County at Laker Field on Monday afternoon in the opening round of the 16th District baseball tournament. On Tuesday, Coach Trent Tarter's Lady Laker softball team picked up a shutout victory over visiting Cumberland County, 5-0, at Lady Laker Field in the opening round of their district tournament.

The Lakers bested the Hornets 1-0 behind another strong pitching performance from senior Adam Black. Black struck out 10 batters while giving up only five hits in the shutout victory. Russell County needed only a RBI single from shortstop Tyler Robertson, an 8th grader, in the home half of the first to take the lead for good.

Robertson's game winning RBI brought home senior third baseman Cody Stephens, who reached on a fielder's choice earlier in the inning.

Lakers Quinton Warriner, Bryson McFall and Hunter Best joined Robertson as the only Lakers to garner hits in the game. The Lakers finished the game with only four hits.

In Monday evening's second district tournament game at Laker Field, the Clinton County Bulldogs triumphed over Cumberland County, 8-3, to set up a Wednesday afternoon district title game against the Lakers. Game time is 7 p.m. at Laker Field.

In the Lady Laker game against Cumberland, sophomore pitcher Abbie Tarter kept the Lady Panthers at bay, striking out opposing batters right and left.

Coach Trent Tarter's team will now play for the 16th district softball crown on Thursday at 6 p.m. at Lady Laker Field in Russell Springs. The softball team takes on Clinton County, who advanced after defeating the Lady Hornets of Metcalfe County on Tuesday, 7-0.