Knox County’s Comeback Falls Just Short In District Championship Heartbreaker

BARBOURVILLE — Knox County battled until the final out, but a furious sixth-inning comeback came up one run short as North Laurel escaped with a 6-5 victory in the winner-take-all championship game of the 12U Softball All-Star Tournament on Wednesday at Knox County Little League.

The loss ended an impressive tournament run for Knox County, which had forced a decisive second championship game by defeating North Laurel 6-3 earlier Wednesday.
North Laurel jumped in front early with four runs in the opening inning and extended its lead to 6-2 through four innings.

Refusing to go away, Knox County mounted one final charge in the bottom of the sixth inning, scoring three runs to make the score, 6-5.

Killion Hill led Knox County offensively, finishing with a double and two RBI. Croley Cain tripled, scored a run and drove in another while Maci Alsip added a hit, an RBI and a run scored. Isabella Abner contributed an RBI single and scored once, while Campbell Cain singled and crossed the plate. Tanaya Hughes, Maggie Collett, Savannah Scalf, Sophia Brown, Ava Lawson and Makenna Messer also recorded hits for Knox County in the 11-hit effort.

Croley Cain started in the pitcher’s circle before Makenna Messer came on in relief. The duo combined to allow six runs on 10 hits while keeping Knox County within striking distance throughout the game.

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.