Cayden Ray allowed two earned runs over 5-2/3 innings with 11 strikeouts while driving in two runs to power Owensboro to an 8-3 win over Daviess County.
“Cayden Ray had a heck of a night, going 5-2/3 innings and keeping a strong offense at bay all night,” Owensboro head coach Jake Fiorella said. “Nash Miller provided a huge out in the fifth with the bases loaded, then Will Rickard closed it down in the seventh. Our pitchers were excellent tonight.”
Evan Hampton went 3-4 with four RBIs, while Rickard, Trevor Delacy, and Blake Kimbrell all had hits. Miller and Rickard pitched the last 1-1/3 innings out of the bullpen, not allowing a single base runner.
“The offense took a bit to get going, but we had a bunch of really good barrels and capitalized on them,” Fiorella said. “Mewes did a good job keeping us off balance, but we were able to break through. Cayden Ray, Will Rickard, and Evan Hampton were so big for us at the plate. Blake Kimbrell, Brady Benjamin, and Eli Hampton all helped pace the offense. So proud of our guys. Winning in the 9th District is tough, and we’re happy to come out with a win tonight against a very solid, well-coached opponent.”
For the Panthers, Sean Page and Logan Mewes both drove in runs, while Gavin Howard scored and finished 1-2 with a walk. Mewes started on the mound, allowing two earned runs over four innings while striking out five. Parker Wilson came on in relief, allowing two earned runs over two innings.
“Ray pitched well for them,” Daviess County head coach Austin Clay said. “I thought we were taking too big of swings and not really making any adjustments with two strikes. Mewes pitched well for us. We just didn’t make some plays, and they capitalized on our mistakes.”
