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By: Casey Roberts

Contributing Writer

 

The Lincoln County Patriots’ 2025 baseball season came to a close Monday, May 26, with a 6-2 loss to West Jessamine in the opening round of the 12th Region Tournament.

Despite the defeat, the game marked a meaningful return to regional play for the Patriots, who made their first 12th Region Tournament appearance since 2017. The postseason berth capped off a season of progress under first-year head coach Trent Shumate.

Lincoln trailed 3-0 entering the fifth inning before mounting its biggest offensive push. After Brennin Hazlett and Grady Foster drew back-to-back walks, courtesy runner Mason Glover advanced to load the bases. Landon Smith followed with a clutch single up the middle, bringing home two runs and cutting the deficit to 3-2. Hunter Ralston worked a walk to reload the bases, but the Patriots left them stranded.

West Jessamine responded quickly in the bottom half of the inning, using a string of base hits to extend the lead to 6-2. Lincoln was held scoreless over the final two innings, going down in order in both the sixth and seventh.

Center fielder Parker Hart and right fielder Micah Ralston made several defensive plays to keep the game within reach. Senior Caleb Carrier got the start on the mound, battling through the middle innings and helping keep the Patriots in contention.

Jack Smith, Trevor Vest, and Sawyer Robbins each put balls in play to challenge the defense, while Tucker Foster and Hart added discipline at the plate and contributed in the field.

The loss closed out Lincoln County’s season with a final record of 13-20. Though the Patriots fell short of advancing, their return to the regional stage represents a major step forward for the program — and a strong foundation for the years ahead.