By JOHN VERSER
BOWLING GREEN — Barren County scored three runs in the top of the first inning and rolled to a 10-2 win over Cumberland County on Saturday in the first regional semifinal game at Nick Denes Field.
“I thought it kind of eased a little bit of anxiety,” Barren coach Scott Gillon said. “To come out and score three in the top (of the first), I think it just made that a little more easier. It’s easier to pitch with a lead than when it is from behind. Jumping up 3-0 on them in the top was good just from that standpoint.”
Lucas Mohon and Tyler Miller reached on back-to-back free passes before an error on a fielder’s choice play loaded the bases. Tyler Edmunds then smacked a two-run double to right, driving in Mohon and Miller for a 2-0 lead. Mason Myatt’s single drove in courtesy runner Dakota Pierce to extend the lead to 3-0.
Barren added three runs in the third to go up 6-0.
The Panthers answered with two runs in the bottom of the fourth to cut the lead to 6-2. But the Trojans came back with four in the top of the fifth.
Crabtree led the Trojans offensively with a 3-for-4 game. He drove in three runs, scored a run and had a sacrifice fly. Edmunds, Myatt and Riley added two hits each in Barren’s 12-hit output.
Tyler Richardson tossed six strong innings, giving up two runs on seven hits, to pick up the win. He struck out seven. Bart Houchens tossed a scoreless seventh inning.
At Western Kentucky
Barren 303 040 0 - 10 12 1
Cumberland 000 200 0 - 2 7 3
W-Richardson. L-Pruett.
