Salem… The Pulaski Co. Cougars lost their last regular season game to Salem 5-3. They couldn’t come up with the big hit when they needed it. They left 11 men stranded, with eight of those in the last three innings.

Senior Grant Osteen pitched a complete game for the Cougars giving up all five runs but only three of those were earned. He surrendered nine hits, walked one and struck out four.

With the game being scoreless going into the bottom of the third, Salem struck for two runs. Trevor Austin led the inning off with a sharp single, and then Brendon Carroll laid down a perfect bunt to third. He would beat the play out but Cougar third baseman threw the ball wildly for a two base error that scored Austin and Carroll winding up at third. Carroll would then score on a wild pitch. Salem would strike for three more in their half of the fourth as they collected three hits. Riley Fox’s single drove in two and Austin fielder’s choice produced another.

The Cougars (8-10-1) would score two runs in the top of the fifth when a pitch hit Dylan Danner, Tyler Waddell singled, and Jon Osteen drew a walk to load the bases. Big brother Grant then would hit a double down the left field line driving in Danner and Waddell. They would leave the bases loaded though as they couldn’t get that one more big hit. They had another chance in the sixth with one out. Braeden Blevins walked, and Danner doubled. The next two hitters would strike. A fly out to center stopped the rally, leaving two on. They would threaten again in the seventh when Grant Osten singled to lead off and Camden Underwood walked with one out. Nathanel Remington hit a single to left to load the bases. Hunter Shrewsbury would then strike out, but Kam Hall walked to make it 5-3 and the bases still loaded. This time Danner would hit a sharp grounder to third for a force out to end the game, as the Cougars would leave three more on base.

Coach Jared King said, ”We had our chances in this game. We just didn’t get the big hit when we needed it. I’m proud of how our team battled and Osteen (Grant) just battled on the mound.” Coach then added, ”We gave them a couple runs there. We had a couple mental lapses on the bases and on the infield too. When you do those things against a good club its hard to overcome. I’m proud of the kids for competing and giving us a home playoff. “

Salem got two hits apiece from Carroll, Austin and Jacob Chambers. Carroll scored twice and Fox had two RBI.

The Cougars got two hits from Grant Osteen. He scored one run and knocked in two in the loss.

Pulaski Co. will play William Fleming Saturday at home. First pitch his scheduled for 2 pm. If the game is rained out, it will be held Monday at 5 pm.

R H E LOB

Pulaski Co. 3 8 2 11

Salem 5 9 0 5

Pulaski Co. -LP- Osteen ( 3-1)

Salem – WP- Persinger