Pulaski Co. Cougars faced Tazewell in one of the Coppinger Tourney semi-final games and defeated the Bulldogs 13-2. Once again pitcher Kellen Dalton threw a well-pitched game as the senior scattered three hits and struck out seven in four and one-third innings.

Offensively the Cougars got a two-RBI game from Jon Osteen, Jonathan Minnick, Hunter Shrewsbury and Chris Remington. Remington and Shrewsbury both had two hits. Osteen, Trent Blankenship, Braeden Blevins, Brandon Neel and Drew Mabry all scored two runs apiece.

Tazewell ace Sid Willis tossed five innings striking out eight but he walked six. He balked a run in and threw four wild pitches. He also hit an inside the park home run. The Bulldog defense committed seven errors but five of those were in the last two innings long after the game had been decided. Tazewell took a 1-0 lead in the bottom of the second but the Cougars would tally two runs in the third and two more in the fourth to take a 4-1 lead.After taking Willis out the Cougars would then score six in the sixth and three in the seventh.

” We excited to be able to play for the tournament championship against Honaker,” said Cougar head man Jared King. ” I thought Kellen( Dalton) pitched really well again tonight. He’s not overpowering but he spots his pitches and we made enough plays behind him for us to win tonight. We got some clutch hits and we have been excited to play in this tournament.”

Pulaski Co. will take on Honaker Saturday at 1:00 pm for the Coppinger Championship. The game will be played at Tazewell Middle School due to a scheduling conflict with Bluefield College at Bowen Field.

Pulaski Co. 13 R – 8 H – 1 E – 10 LOB

Tazewell 2 R – 4 H – 7 E – 4 LOB

Pulaski Co. – Dalton – WP – ( 3-0)

Tazewell – Willis – LP