In a game of missed opportunities, Calloway County cashed in at the right time to hand Hopkinsville a 6-4 loss in eight innings Thursday at Tiger Stadium.
Cadwell Turner poked a two-out, 0-2 pitch into left field to score Kameron Starks from second base and give the Lakers a 5-4 lead. Cole Lockhart followed with a single to score Turner and increase the lead to 6-4.
Both teams had chances to win the game in the seventh inning. Cole Lockhart led off the inning with a double and moved to third on a bunt single by Bazzel. Lucas Kaetzel got a strikeout and ground out to keep the Lakers off the board.
On the next pitch, Conner Lockhart laced a shot to left-center where Hoptown’s Landon Cook made a leaping back-handed grab to preserve the tie.
In the bottom of the seventh, Gavin Powell singled, moved to second on a sacrifice, and reached third on a wild pitch. However, Gage Bazzel induced a ground out to end the threat and send the game to extra innings.
The teams combined to leave 22 runners on base but Hoptown had five errors. Calloway had none.
Jacob Dilday and Joseph Boor each had three hits with Dilday driving in a pair of runs for Hopkinsville (11-14). Powell also had three hits, and Zach Moss added two as part of the 13-hit attack.
The Lockhart twins – Conner and Cole – each had two hits for Calloway County (10-16), and Kameron Starks added two.
Bazzel picked up the win with two scoreless innings of relief.
Lucas Kaetzel pitched well in relief of Cook, giving up two earned runs in 4.2 innings. He struck out four and walked just one.
The teams are scheduled to play again Saturday in Murray.
CLICK HERE for a photo gallery from the game.
