The Green County Dragons Varsity fell behind early and couldn’t recover in a 19-5 loss to the Taylor County Varsity Cardinals on Wednesday.
After a promising start that saw Larson Matney drive in a run with a single in the bottom of the first, the Dragons’ momentum quickly stalled. Taylor County took control in the top of the second, turning the tide with a five-run burst highlighted by a two-RBI single from Luke Hayes on an 0-2 count.
Taylor County kept up the pressure in the later innings, scoring six runs in the fifth and another eight in the sixth. In the fifth, key contributions came from JT Johns with an RBI single, and Hayes again, who capped off the inning with another two-run single. Walks to Reace Vaughn and Grayson Kearney also brought in runs.
The sixth inning saw more of the same, with Taylor County scoring eight more times on just three hits. A series of patient at-bats helped them load the bases and capitalize on walks. Kearney, Layken Lyons, and Hayes each drew bases-loaded walks, while Cole McLean delivered a two-run single. Vaughn added another RBI single to close out the offensive onslaught.
Green County showed a final spark in the bottom of the sixth when Drew Squires launched a home run to center field, scoring two. Squires and Jones both drove in two runs for the Dragons, while Jones led the team with two hits. Hayden Blakeman showed discipline at the plate, drawing three walks and stealing two bases, part of the Dragons’ total of seven walks on the day.
Green County’s pitching staff struggled with control, allowing 15 walks in total. Starter Drew Squires allowed five runs (two earned) over 1.2 innings, and reliever Cash Jones surrendered six more (only one earned) in three innings of work.