YSE File Photo
Preston Rager’s dramatic two-run home run in the seventh inning tied the game but Harper Butler’s two-run bomb in the bottom of the 10th ended it Tuesday, lifting Logan County past Todd County Central in a 7-5 instant classic in Russellville.
After the Rebels clawed back in the top of the seventh and scored four runs to force extra innings, the 13th District rivals traded blows until Butler’s fourth bomb of the season helped the Cougars deal Todd Central its first district loss in 2022.
Logan County has now won five straight games and 10 of their last 11 overall, improving to 15-9. It also pulls the Cougs to .500 in their district slate and now one game back of the Rebels in the standings. These two teams will play again Wednesday in Elkton.
Connor Binkley socked his team-leading seventh home run of the season and helped a red-hot Logan squad jump out to a quick lead. Later on, an RBI single from Chance Sweeney increased the Cougars’ advantage to 5-1, with TCCHS struggling to find timely hitting.
With their backs against the wall, however, the Rebels abruptly put together a comeback effort in the top of the seventh. With two outs and runners at first and second, Devin Schutt lined a two-run double to left, cutting Logan’s lead to 5-3. Then, on the second pitch he saw from new pitcher Davin Yates, Rager launched a deep fly over the left field wall to square the game at 5-all.
Logan County (15-9) nearly walked it off in regulation, loading the bases with two outs. But Todd Central induced a fielder’s choice ground ball to send the contest to the eighth inning. The Cougars put two more runners on in the ninth but stranded them after a flyout.
Todd County Central (17-8) had a glimmer of hope when the scorebook flipped over to double-digit innings, as Tanner Farmer doubled to lead off the 10th, and Jase Hampton walked to put runners at first and third with two outs. Will Kearns’ groundout ended the threat, though, setting the stage for Butler’s game-winning heroics.
Yates (4-0) remained perfect on the year, earning the mound victory in relief. Despite giving up the game-tying home run — half of which was attached to starting pitcher Sweeney — Yates hung around and struck out six and allowed just three total hits in 3 1/3 innings.
Farmer (1-2) was the losing pitcher of record. He threw 4 1/3 innings in relief, allowing four hits, five walks, and just two runs. He also fanned three. Rager tossed the first five innings to start the game, allowing four hits, eight walks, and four earned runs. He also struck out a trio of Cougars.
Offensively, Farmer went 2-for-5 with a pair of doubles. Rager finished 1-for-3 with two walks and the game-tying home run. Kearns also had two hits, as well as a pair of stolen bases.
