One night after watching Will Varner dominate them in a 13-strikeout performance that led to a 6-2 loss on Log Mountain, the Bell County Bobcats flipped the script in the rematch at Harlan. Senior left-hander D.J. Estes kept the Dragons off balance as he tossed a six-hitter with 11 strikeouts and two walks in an 11-2 win Friday.

“D.J. threw a great game and we hit the ball pretty well,” Bell County coach Scott Chaney said. “I think our kids felt bad about last night’s game and wanted to bounce back.”

Jacob Smith and Hayden Clark led the 5-6 Bobcats on offense with two singles each. Ethan Brock, Alex Mays J.M. Baker, Estes and Cole Hoskins added one single each.

Jeremiah Mills.led the 6-7 Dragons with a double and single. Varner singled twice. Kilian Ledford had a double. Jared Hawkins added a single.

Michael Robinson suffered the loss as he allowed seven runs on five hits in 2 1/3 innings, with two strikeouts and four walks. Will McCarthy allowed three runs on four hits and three walks in 1 1/3 innings. Caleb Adkins gave up one run on one hit with five strikeouts and two walks in 3 1/3 innings.

Harlan returns to action Monday at Clay County. The Dragons play Middlesboro in district action on Thursday and Friday. Bell County will play Harlan County on Thursday and Friday

“This district is wide open,” Chaney said. “Anybody can beat anybody. We’ll just enjoy this tonight and think about the district again next week.”

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Bell County 305 210 0 — 11. 10. 2

Harlan 000 020 0 — 2. 6. 5

Estes and Smith; Robinson, McCarthy (3), Adkins (4) and Knuckles. WP — Estes. LP — Robinson (2-3).