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By Casey Roberts

Contributing Writer

The Lincoln County baseball team weathered a tough start to a demanding five-game stretch, closing the week with three straight wins that showcased depth on the mound and resilience at the plate.

The run began April 7 with a 13-3 road loss to Russell County. The Pats struck first in the opening frame after a fielder’s choice from Grady Foster brought home two runs, but the lead was short-lived. Russell responded with five runs in the third and kept the pressure on, finishing with 12 total hits. Caleb Carrier took the loss, giving up five runs—two earned—across three innings. Sawyer Robbins stayed consistent at the plate, going 3-for-3, and Hart finished with a pair of hits.

The struggles continued April 8 in an 8-2 loss to Franklin-Simpson. Lincoln surrendered four runs in the first two innings and couldn’t recover. Tucker Foster started the game, while Trevor Vest came on in relief and pitched four innings, allowing two earned runs. Vest also led Lincoln offensively with a 3-for-3 performance and one RBI, while Robbins added a run-scoring hit.

In the April 10 rematch with Franklin-Simpson, Lincoln leaned on timely pitching and clean defense to edge out a 3-2 win. Carrier delivered five solid innings, allowing one run on five hits and earning the win. Foster and Hazlett closed it down in relief, with Hazlett notching the save. The Pats didn’t commit a single error, and catcher Jack Smith led the defense with nine fielding chances. Robbins, Hazlett, and Foster each drove in a run in a game where small plays made the difference.

Lincoln kept the momentum rolling later that evening with a 12-2 rout of Bourbon County. Jack Smith went 3-for-4 and drove in two runs to spark a 15-hit outburst. Jenkins added two hits and a pair of RBIs, while Hart, Hazlett, and both Fosters also chipped in multiple hits. Hazlett started on the mound and gave up just one hit and one earned run over five innings, striking out five. The Pats capitalized on aggressive base running and didn’t let up after grabbing an early lead.

 

The week closed on April 11, where the Pats defeated School Without Walls (Washington, D.C.) 11-6. Lincoln once again jumped out early—scoring in each of the first three innings—and never looked back. Vest earned the win after tossing five innings, and Landon Smith provided relief to seal it. The offense drew seven walks and totaled 11 hits, with Robbins, Hart, and both Fosters turning in two-hit efforts. Jenkins and Foster each drew two walks as the Pats showed patience and discipline at the plate.

 

Lincoln ended the week at 3-2, but the final record didn’t tell the full story. After a rough start, the Pats responded with three wins in three days, including two on April 10, while relying on a full pitching staff and production throughout the lineup. Jack Smith led a defensive unit that committed just one error over the final three games, and multiple players rose to the occasion both at the plate and on the mound.