Strong first inning not enough as Boyle County baseball falls in first round of state tourney

LEXINGTON — Boyle County’s offense was ready to go Thursday at Whitaker Bank Ballpark.

But after scoring four runs in the first inning, the Rebels couldn’t catch up to Knox Central starter Seth Hill. Knox scored runs in the first five innings to win 9-4 in the first round of the KHSAA state tournament.

Boyle batters struck out 15 times, the most in any game this season. It’s just the third time this year the Rebels have struck out more than 10 times in one game, and the first time it has happened in a loss.

“We haven’t seen that all year,” Boyle coach Kyle Wynn said. “A little bit more surprising was that we scored four runs in the first inning. We battled back and it looked like on offense, we were going to click. But (Hill) settled in on the mound, hats off to him, he did a nice job.”

The Rebels plated four runs in the first inning, capped by a three-run triple by Ty Dragan. Dragan scored Cameron Walker and Karson Thompson and was brought home after an errant throw reached the stands.

Kaden Gervacio would triple to bring in Cameron Yates for Boyle’s fourth and final run of the first inning.

Wynn said his team had the momentum after the first, but it shifted when Knox Central continued to bring in runs inning after inning. The Panthers scored at least one run in the first five innings, including a four-run outburst in the fifth inning.

“I don’t think we were overconfident, part of it was momentum just shifted,” Wynn said. “They kept scoring and we struggled to stop them. That fifth inning was the nail in the coffin. They were just chipping away and we weren’t doing much on offense. When you’re out here on the big stage, you get behind and you get nervous, it’s tough to overcome.”

Sam Tiller started on the mound for the Rebels, pitching the first four frames. He gave up six runs (five earned) while striking out four.

It was just Tiller’s second loss this season.

Matt Overing/matthew.overing@amnews.com
Hunter Mason celebrates after throwing a runner out to end an inning against Knox Central.

Drew Baker took his place in the fifth, allowing three runs (two earned), recording just one out.

Thompson pitched the final 2 2/3 innings for the Rebels, striking out three. He didn’t allow a run.

Most of Knox Central’s runs — including two in the first — came with two outs. Part of the problem for the Rebels was playing on a larger field — hits that could have been caught were instead bloop singles to the outfield.

“We just needed somebody to come up with a big play,” Wynn said. “It’s a big field, a lot of balls dropped in here and there where if we were to make a play somewhere it might have been a different story.”

The Rebels finish 2017 with a 27-12 record and the program’s first state tournament appearance since 2005.

“I’m proud of our guys,” Wynn said. “They did a nice job. The accomplishment they had to get here in the first place is something that they’ll remember forever, getting to play on this field. I’ve got a good feeling that we’ll be back.”

The Rebels certainly have a chance to return, with Walker as the lone graduating starter.

“There’s a good young core,” Wynn said. “We’ve got three seniors and you never want that for them, but I think everyone else is just as hurt. I can see it in their faces right now. Hopefully it’ll drive us to get back, we know it’s not easy to get here.”

 Follow Matt Overing on Twitter @MOvering

 KHSAA state tournament

At Whitaker Bank Ballpark

Lexington

 KNOX CENTRAL 211 140 0 9 9 3

BOYLE COUNTY 400 000 0 4 6 1

WP: Seth Hill (7.0 IP, 6 H, 4 R, 2 ER, 15 K’s, 0 BB)

2B — Knox Central: Jacob Nelson, Jaylen Adams. 3B — Knox Central: Jaxon Stewart. Boyle County: Ty Dragan, Kaden Gervacio. HR — Knox Central: Stewart.

SportsPlus

News

Danville holding Small Town Christmas events, parade this weekend

News

Logue retires from community theatre

News

With Its Innovative Distillery Up and Running, Luca Mariano Welcomes Chemist Amanda Coffman From Maker’s Mark

News

Danville Alumni Stories: Anne Milburn

News

Boyle’s dreams, streaks come to sudden end with loss to CovCat

News

DCA’s Mbugua celebrates signing with Louisville with family near and far

News

Leaf collection underway in Danville

News

Boyle off the mark but on to quarterfinals with 47-6 win

News

The votes are in

News

Danville passing game improves in loss to Breathitt

News

Waste tire dropoff days scheduled

News

Rebs capture district crown

Boyle County Sports

Boyle rolls to third straight district volleyball title

News

First group of inductees into Danville Schools Arts Hall of Fame to be celebrated Nov. 2

Danville Christian Academy

DCA’s Mbugua at peace with commitment to Louisville

Danville Sports

Danville moves forward but falls to Somerset

News

Ky. State Sen. Johnnie Turner dies after lawn mower incident last month in Harlan

Boyle County Sports

Boyle buries Lincoln for 28th straight victory

News

KSP need facilities security officers for spring session

Boyle County Sports

Overtime win gives Boyle girls regional repeat

News

Kentucky soybean farmers contribute toward popular Halloween treats

News

AG defending state law requiring child sex offers to use full name on social media

Boyle County Sports

Boyle star Quisenberry flips commitment from West Virginia to Kentucky

News

Federal help will push completion of Mountain Parkway project