[Westside]

Anybody have any details of this game.

[Spud6]

Not much of a game here. The tee’d off on Pburg’s pitcher and scored 5 runs in the first inning. Pburg was making uncharacteristic errors too

[jetpilot]

Anybody have any details of this game.

Isaac Duty threw a no-hitter for Pikeville. Pikeville 10 hits and one error, Prestonsburg no hits two errors.
It was Pikeville's 6th straight All-A 15th region championship. Won 4 games in the tourney: 18-1 (4 innings), 5-1, 20-0 (4 innings), 11-0 (5 innings).

[BCF4L]

Not much of a game here. The tee’d off on Pburg’s pitcher and scored 5 runs in the first inning. Pburg was making uncharacteristic errors too

I wouldn’t say uncharacteristic. The game against Paintsville was the only game all season we didn’t have at least one error. Definitely gotta get things cleaned up on that end but we’ll be fine. Wouldn’t be surprised if these two meet again in the 15th region championship.

[ReginaPanther08]

This just proves Pikeville is still at the top of the food chain in the 15th.

[2000PHS]

This just proves Pikeville is still at the top of the food chain in the 15th.

Anyone with a brain would not dispute that. Region will come down to the draw and who gets a few lucky breaks.

[BCF4L]

This just proves Pikeville is still at the top of the food chain in the 15th.

Yeah I think everyone knows they’re fighting for the chance to face Pikeville in the regional championship. You have to have a strong pitching rotation to be able to compete with Pikeville and most of the region don’t have that many arms. Most have to use up their ace just to make it that far and hope for the best.

[jetpilot]

You want to catch Pikeville before the championship because it will take a miracle for a 15th region team to beat Duty. If Pikeville draws the 57th RU in the first round everyone has a chance but other than that luck probably doesn't factor in IMO.

[Harry Dawg]

Lawrence, Pikeville, Paintsville, JC, Belfry and Pburg all appear to have at least one pitcher who, if on, can beat all the other teams in the region. That said, Duty may be the only truly dominant pitcher in the region this year. I've only seen JC live so I'm not making any predictions just yet. But based on early results, I think overall Pikeville is a notch above, with those other 5 teams not too far behind and all capable of beating each other depending on the pitching matchup.

[HatfieldMccoy]

Pikeville’s number two is superior to any of the regions ace’s. I’m not a Pikeville fan but have watched numerous 15th region games. Pikeville’s CF is one of the top players in the region if not the state. The defense of Pikeville will put them above everyone else. Only questions are if they can score more than 2-3 a game and if there young catcher steps up.

[BCF4L]

Pikeville’s number two is superior to any of the regions ace’s. I’m not a Pikeville fan but have watched numerous 15th region games.  Pikeville’s CF is one of the top players in the region if not the state.  The defense of Pikeville will put them above everyone else.  Only questions are if they can score more than 2-3 a game and if there young catcher steps up.

Eh, I wouldn’t say that. Bash is a good pitcher but he’s not better than a couple other “aces” out there. Duty is definitely a dominant pitcher but I was kind of surprised at the lack of strikeouts he had against Prestonsburg. There were some solid hits. Pikeville just has a very fast defense that can take away hits that other teams can’t. Bradyn Hall is snagging anything within 100 feet of him. I’ve watched him rob Kaden of extra bases the last two times Prestonsburg and Pikeville have played. And he’s a great kid. As good as Pikeville is, you want to dislike them but man, they’ve got some great young men playing for them.

[jetpilot]

Pikeville’s number two is superior to any of the regions ace’s. I’m not a Pikeville fan but have watched numerous 15th region games.  Pikeville’s CF is one of the top players in the region if not the state.  The defense of Pikeville will put them above everyone else.  Only questions are if they can score more than 2-3 a game and if there young catcher steps up.

Eh, I wouldn’t say that. Bash is a good pitcher but he’s not better than a couple other “aces” out there. Duty is definitely a dominant pitcher but I was kind of surprised at the lack of strikeouts he had against Prestonsburg. There were some solid hits. Pikeville just has a very fast defense that can take away hits that other teams can’t. Bradyn Hall is snagging anything within 100 feet of him. I’ve watched him rob Kaden of extra bases the last two times Prestonsburg and Pikeville have played. And he’s a great kid. As good as Pikeville is, you want to dislike them but man, they’ve got some great young men playing for them.

So you're saying it was a rather mediocre no-hitter

[BCF4L]

Pikeville’s number two is superior to any of the regions ace’s. I’m not a Pikeville fan but have watched numerous 15th region games.  Pikeville’s CF is one of the top players in the region if not the state.  The defense of Pikeville will put them above everyone else.  Only questions are if they can score more than 2-3 a game and if there young catcher steps up.

Eh, I wouldn’t say that. Bash is a good pitcher but he’s not better than a couple other “aces” out there. Duty is definitely a dominant pitcher but I was kind of surprised at the lack of strikeouts he had against Prestonsburg. There were some solid hits. Pikeville just has a very fast defense that can take away hits that other teams can’t. Bradyn Hall is snagging anything within 100 feet of him. I’ve watched him rob Kaden of extra bases the last two times Prestonsburg and Pikeville have played. And he’s a great kid. As good as Pikeville is, you want to dislike them but man, they’ve got some great young men playing for them.

So you're saying it was a rather mediocre no-hitter

Compared to what I’m used to seeing, yes    I will say that Prestonsburg averages over 8 strikeouts per game so having someone as good as Duty only strike us out 6 times was surprising. BUT, he also only had 5 innings so I guess it checks out.

[2000PHS]

The 15th Regional baseball tournament has historically been one of the hardest events ever to predict. Favorites win, favorites lose, teams with losing records have won the tournament. It’s a wild and fun event.

[jetpilot]

Agree it is wide open BUT Pikeville rolled through the region 32-1 last year and are loaded again. Everyone else has ground to make up but on any given day...And #2 Ryan was 7-0 LY with 1.41 ERA so yes he is as good or better than everyone else's #1...Having said all that the favorite has lost many times. 15th is down in all sports right now though and someone will have to come up huge.

[jetpilot]

Agree it is wide open BUT Pikeville rolled through the region 32-1 last year and are loaded again. Everyone else has ground to make up but on any given day...And #2 Ryan was 7-0 LY with 1.41 ERA so yes he is as good or better than everyone else's #1...Having said all that the favorite has lost many times. 15th is down in all sports right now though and someone will have to come up huge.

And just rolled through the All-A 54-2 with 3 mercies in 4 games. Just speculation, if Pikeville draws 57th RU who pitches for both teams?

[jetpilot]

^^^If it's not Paintsville or JC it doesn't matter.

[2000PHS]

Agree it is wide open BUT Pikeville rolled through the region 32-1 last year and are loaded again. Everyone else has ground to make up but on any given day...And #2 Ryan was 7-0 LY with 1.41 ERA so yes he is as good or better than everyone else's #1...Having said all that the favorite has lost many times. 15th is down in all sports right now though and someone will have to come up huge.

And just rolled through the All-A 54-2 with 3 mercies in 4 games. Just speculation, if Pikeville draws 57th RU who pitches for both teams?

Has Pikeville already won their district? Kidding haha

[ReginaPanther08]

Agree it is wide open BUT Pikeville rolled through the region 32-1 last year and are loaded again. Everyone else has ground to make up but on any given day...And #2 Ryan was 7-0 LY with 1.41 ERA so yes he is as good or better than everyone else's #1...Having said all that the favorite has lost many times. 15th is down in all sports right now though and someone will have to come up huge.

And just rolled through the All-A 54-2 with 3 mercies in 4 games. Just speculation, if Pikeville draws 57th RU who pitches for both teams?

If Paintsville wins the 57th and Pikeville Draws JC I think they throw Pennington or Rose. Pikeville will throw Ryan or Hall, just depends on the bracket.

[Micro-Brew]

Also Jet I’d like to mention that Pikeville is absolutely loaded on the middle school team too. They’re going to be a major player in the region for the foreseeable future. And yes they got a young arm or two that can very well be as dominant as Duty has been the last three years coming up.
Hand that kind of talent to Simpkins and staff and look out. They could use a nice lefty but outside of that completely stacked with arms.

[jetpilot]

Also Jet I’d like to mention that Pikeville is absolutely loaded on the middle school team too. They’re going to be a major player in the region for the foreseeable future. And yes they got a young arm or two that can very well be as dominant as Duty has been the last three years coming up.
Hand that kind of talent to Simpkins and staff and look out. They could use a nice lefty but outside of that completely stacked with arms.

Great to hear. I need to catch one of their games.

[Mr. D]

Is Pikeville the clear number 1 right not? Probably yes. They are talented and are extremely well coached. But to be fair to the rest of the region though they have already lost to JC this year at Pikeville, so they aren't completely invincible. Jet you make it sound like they are the Big Red Machine lol.

[jetpilot]

JC got 3 singles in that game and 10 walks against pitcher(s) they would never see in the regional tournament. Plus I haven't given any opinion on how good they are. But since you brought it up D please bring a huge sack of money to JC vs Pikeville if they meet in the regional tournament.

[2000PHS]

JC got 3 singles in that game and 10 walks against  pitcher(s) they would never see in the regional tournament. Plus I haven't given any opinion on how good they are. But since you brought it up D please bring a huge sack of money to JC vs Pikeville if they meet in the regional tournament.

Dang! The rare “huge sack of money post” in April! I like it.

[jetpilot]

JC got 3 singles in that game and 10 walks against  pitcher(s) they would never see in the regional tournament. Plus I haven't given any opinion on how good they are. But since you brought it up D please bring a huge sack of money to JC vs Pikeville if they meet in the regional tournament.

Dang! The rare “huge sack of money post” in April! I like it.

We have all agreed 15th is super unpredictable and it's always wide open and draw means lot, he just wanted everyone to know JC beat Pikeville back when it was snowing and everyone on 40 pitch counts and not throwing top pitchers. That's the type of hype I like to bring out the huge sack on $$$ hehe

[Blackcat 4 Life]

Pikeville looked like a "well oiled machine". As most can tell, I'm not a fan of Pikeville, but you have to give credit, where credit is due. The biggest aspect that stood out was how well Pikeville was coached. Simpkins is the real deal, and it's crazy that Prestonsburg ever let him go, or ran him off. He had his team prepared to play, and once again, it looked as if Tucker was happy just being there, just like last year in the regional championship. Prestonsburg has talent, but it just doesn't seem they are playing well together as a unit. We struggle hitting the ball, and fielding has been up and down, but I feel like there is too much talent to be underachieving the way we are. Pitching has been inconsistent, but honestly they aren't getting a lot of help. It's eerily similar to our basketball team this year. We have the talent to beat anyone, but there are multiple inadequacies at the top and it's trickled down to how the team prepares and how they perform. I'm hoping things can turn around, but it isn't looking to promising with our schedule. Hail Blackcats!

[BCF4L]

Pikeville looked like a "well oiled machine". As most can tell, I'm not a fan of Pikeville, but you have to give credit, where credit is due. The biggest aspect that stood out was how well Pikeville was coached. Simpkins is the real deal, and it's crazy that Prestonsburg ever let him go, or ran him off. He had his team prepared to play, and once again, it looked as if Tucker was happy just being there, just like last year in the regional championship. Prestonsburg has talent, but it just doesn't seem they are playing well together as a unit. We struggle hitting the ball, and fielding has been up and down, but I feel like there is too much talent to be underachieving the way we are. Pitching has been inconsistent, but honestly they aren't getting a lot of help. It's eerily similar to our basketball team this year. We have the talent to beat anyone, but there are multiple inadequacies at the top and it's trickled down to how the team prepares and how they perform. I'm hoping things can turn around, but it isn't looking to promising with our schedule. Hail Blackcats!

Eh, not a big fan of the jab at Tucker. Bryce is dealing with the hand he was dealt. While there’s some decent individual pieces, Pburg isn’t stocked full of talent. If Bryce could’ve had some help with the middle school kids playing up then I think we could’ve been more consistent. But if you look at numbers, the team is batting .214 with one player batting over .300 (that consistently bats). You could throw Nolan Ryan out there and it wouldn’t matter if your offense can’t hit the baseball. 

Pitching has been inconsistent this year because one player throws it faster than 75. It’s extremely difficult to compete against teams like Pikeville, Paintsville, Lawrence and JC when your staff consists of one player that tops 85 while the next closest sits around 74. Again, just a hand that Tucker has been dealt. If Kaden isn’t “on” and he wasn’t his sharpest last night, it’s difficult for this team to win the big games. And in no way is this a knock on any kids we have playing for us. We are extremely young from an experience standpoint. We’re asking sophomores to carry a lot of the burden for this team. They’re talented Sophomores but they’re still sophomores. They’re going to be inconsistent and that’s okay. Bryce can’t control a kid walking 6 one night and striking out 11 the next. Again, it boils down to consistency. And there can be all kinds of things to point at. Kaden walked 6 last night. But his pitch count was at 50 after two innings. He gave up 6 hits but of those 6, 4 were infield hits. How do you blame coaching on balls that your opponent struggles hitting so badly that they barely hit it and wind up on first? They reached on 3 balls that never made it back to the pitcher, 2 of them weren’t even bunts. It’s just bad luck and honestly a lack of speed throughout the team to allow us to make plays on poorly hit balls like that. 

Here’s the thing: Prestonsburg starts hitting the baseball and scoring runs, it eliminates the pressure the pitching staff is under to go out and hope you throw a complete game shutout to have a chance to win. It all starts with your offense and basic fundamentals on defense. You get those ironed out, and I believe that we will, this will be a different team at the end of the year.

[Red and Black]

Most of these Pburg baseball players played good defense and hit the ball pretty well last year during their tournament run. I think we only lost maybe 2 or 3 players from last year's team (that I can think of) so this team should've reloaded pretty well this year in the field and with the bats, but honestly they all just look tired right now. They need something to spark some confidence and excitement to get them out of this rut. They need to get back to having fun playing baseball like they did last year because right now they look like they aren't having very much fun out there. They've still got a month and a lot of games left to figure it out, and I believe in those boys and I believe they'll put it back together before tournament time rolls around and make another run. It's a game and it's supposed to be fun, I hope they can get back to playing the game and playing as a team instead of stressing and over-working and trying to do too much.

[Blackcat 4 Life]

Pikeville looked like a "well oiled machine". As most can tell, I'm not a fan of Pikeville, but you have to give credit, where credit is due. The biggest aspect that stood out was how well Pikeville was coached. Simpkins is the real deal, and it's crazy that Prestonsburg ever let him go, or ran him off. He had his team prepared to play, and once again, it looked as if Tucker was happy just being there, just like last year in the regional championship. Prestonsburg has talent, but it just doesn't seem they are playing well together as a unit. We struggle hitting the ball, and fielding has been up and down, but I feel like there is too much talent to be underachieving the way we are. Pitching has been inconsistent, but honestly they aren't getting a lot of help. It's eerily similar to our basketball team this year. We have the talent to beat anyone, but there are multiple inadequacies at the top and it's trickled down to how the team prepares and how they perform. I'm hoping things can turn around, but it isn't looking to promising with our schedule. Hail Blackcats!

Eh, not a big fan of the jab at Tucker. Bryce is dealing with the hand he was dealt. While there’s some decent individual pieces, Pburg isn’t stocked full of talent. If Bryce could’ve had some help with the middle school kids playing up then I think we could’ve been more consistent. But if you look at numbers, the team is batting .214 with one player batting over .300 (that consistently bats). You could throw Nolan Ryan out there and it wouldn’t matter if your offense can’t hit the baseball. 

Pitching has been inconsistent this year because one player throws it faster than 75. It’s extremely difficult to compete against teams like Pikeville, Paintsville, Lawrence and JC when your staff consists of one player that tops 85 while the next closest sits around 74. Again, just a hand that Tucker has been dealt. If Kaden isn’t “on” and he wasn’t his sharpest last night, it’s difficult for this team to win the big games. And in no way is this a knock on any kids we have playing for us. We are extremely young from an experience standpoint. We’re asking sophomores to carry a lot of the burden for this team. They’re talented Sophomores but they’re still sophomores. They’re going to be inconsistent and that’s okay. Bryce can’t control a kid walking 6 one night and striking out 11 the next. Again, it boils down to consistency. And there can be all kinds of things to point at. Kaden walked 6 last night. But his pitch count was at 50 after two innings. He gave up 6 hits but of those 6, 4 were infield hits. How do you blame coaching on balls that your opponent struggles hitting so badly that they barely hit it and wind up on first? They reached on 3 balls that never made it back to the pitcher, 2 of them weren’t even bunts. It’s just bad luck and honestly a lack of speed throughout the team to allow us to make plays on poorly hit balls like that. 

Here’s the thing: Prestonsburg starts hitting the baseball and scoring runs, it eliminates the pressure the pitching staff is under to go out and hope you throw a complete game shutout to have a chance to win. It all starts with your offense and basic fundamentals on defense. You get those ironed out, and I believe that we will, this will be a different team at the end of the year.

You may call it a jab, I just call it the way I see it. As far as the middle school comment, did these kids not want to play for the coach, or did they just want to enjoy their last year of middle school ball? There have been quite a few kids who have played up over the years, and I haven't seen where it has made them any better in the long run! Hopefully, everything works out and improvements will be made.