The Mustangs have made quick work of their first two opponents in the state tournament, winning both games by the five-inning mercy rule. McCracken County defeated Campbell County 14-3 in the first game and knocked off Bowling Green in the quarterfinals, 16-0.
The 16 runs scored by the Mustangs against Bowling Green is tied for 11th all-time in the state baseball tournament for runs scored in a single game. The 30 runs the Mustangs have scored in the state baseball tournament so far is good for 13th all-time for a full state baseball tournament.
McCracken County will be going up against the Mr. Baseball for the state of Kentucky Friday night; left-handed pitcher Drew Rom, who was selected in the 4th round by the Baltimore Orioles in the Major League Baseball Draft. Rom was 8-6 with a 2.40 ERA this season for the Bluebirds with 119 strikeouts and only 20 walks. Rom pitched a complete game in the opening round of the KHSAA State Baseball Tournament, throwing 108 pitches while giving up just 1 earned run and tossing 10 strikeouts.
Leading the way on offense for the Mustangs this season has been senior Rook Ellington. Ellington led the team in hits this season with 58 and is 6-for-8 in the state tournament so far with seven RBI and six runs, including a bases clearing 3-run triple in the top of the 1st inning against Bowling Green. Sophomore Elijah Wheat is second on the team in total hits with 46 and is 4-for-7 during the state tournament with two RBI and four runs. Sophomore Connor Dismore 3-for-4 in the state tournament with five RBI for the Mustangs.
Pitching has been extraordinary this season for McCracken County. On the season, the Mustangs have a team ERA of 1.51. Junior pitchers Jacob Ehling and Dylan Schneider led the team this season with 9 wins each. Freshman pitcher Brandon Dodd has seven wins to his credit this season while also boasting a 0.91 ERA.
The Mustangs and the Bluebirds are scheduled for a first pitch at 7:30 pm CT at Whitaker Bank Ballpark in Lexington. You can listen to the game with Eric Chumbler and Kip Ellington on 99.5FM The Fan.
