Late Rally Falls Short As Knox County Drops Heartbreaker To North Laurel, 14-13

CORBIN — Knox County built an early five-run lead and pounded out 15 hits, but North Laurel rallied late to escape with a 14-13 victory during second-round action of the 12U Softball All-Star Tournament Saturday at Corbin Little League.

Knox County exploded for seven runs in the first inning and held a 10-5 advantage through three innings before North Laurel battled back with five runs in the fourth inning.

After the two teams traded runs in the fifth inning, North Laurel scored three times in the sixth inning and held on to edge the Knox County All-Stars in a back-and-forth contest.

Campbell Cain led the Knox County offense, going 3-for-3 with a double, a triple and two RBI. Maci Alsip delivered a home run and drove in two runs while Baylee Jones also homered and collected two RBI.

Maggie Collett finished with two hits and two RBIs, Killion Hill added an RBI and Makenna Messer and Jesslyn Messer each contributed two hits. Baylee Jones, Maci Alsip and Campbell Cain each scored twice.

Makenna Messer worked 4.1 innings in the circle, allowing 10 runs on 13 hits while striking out five. Croley Cain pitched one inning and recorded two strikeouts.

North Laurel collected 17 hits and was led by Lanny Greer, who finished 4-for-4 with an RBI and three runs scored. Faith Massey and Sienna McClure each had three hits while Rylee Reid drove in three runs. Hadley Floyd added two hits and an RBI, and Kelsi Bray contributed a triple and one RBI.

Representing Knox County on the 12U All-Star team are Bella Abner, Baylee Jones, Maci Alsip, Makenna Messer, Tanaya Hughes, Jesslyn Messer, Maggie Collett, Killion Hill, Campbell Cain, Croley Cain, Savannah Scalf, Sophia Brown and Ava Lawson.