Jaguars fall short in pitchers’ duel vs. Boyle in 12th Region

By Matt Overing

For The Jessamine Journal

SOMERSET — Hannah James had some of her best stuff.

The East Jessamine senior again tossed a complete game and had 10 strikeouts across seven innings, but the Jaguars fell 2-0 to Boyle County in the 12th Region championship at Pulaski County on Saturday.

It was the last game of James’ career, one where she notched more than 1,000 strikeouts.

“Hannah James is a phenomenal pitcher,” Boyle County head coach Brian Deem said. “I had to go small ball because we weren’t able to drive her in any way, so we went small ball, forced them to make plays,” Deem said. “We were able to get base runners on and find a way to get some runs across the board.”

East Jessamine employed a similar approach at the plate — with James being one of the few hitters on either side able to notch a base hit out of the infield. James was 1-for-2 with a walk.

East had its best scoring chance of the game in the first inning when it loaded the bases. James singled, Brylee Hage and Allie Lane each reached base. But Boyle was able to work out of the jam to end the Jags’ threat.

“Our pitchers didn’t do a good job getting ahead, but they found ways to get out of tough spots,” Deem said. “The first inning, it doesn’t get any tighter than that. Bases loaded with one out, we found a way. Katy Grace Chadwell found a way.”

Hage would again get into scoring position in the third inning but, again, didn’t reach home.

It’s the second-straight region title for Boyle County softball. The Rebels and Jaguars have combined for the last eight region titles, each team with four.