Unable to get down a bunt in the sixth and seventh innings of a tie game, the Harlan County Black Bears came through in the eighth inning in earning perhaps their most impressive win of the season, 6-5 in eight innings Monday over visiting Hazard, one of the 14th Region’s top teams.

Matthew Simpson brought home Garry Henson with the winning run on a suicide squeeze bunt in the eighth inning. Justin Brown opened the inning with a bunt single and Henson was safe on an error. Tyler Casolari tied the game with a single. Jordan Steele was walked intentionally to load the bases. Simpson brought in the winning run one out later.

Steele led the HCHS offense with two singles. Brown, Henson, Casoliar and Zac Collett added one single each.

Harris pitched a complete game to earn the win, giving up five runs (only one earned) on six hits with five strikeouts and no walks.

Henson gave the Bears an early 1-0 lead as he reached on a fielder’s choice, stole second and scored on Harris’ ground out.

Brown and Henson both walked in the fourth inning and scored on a single by Steele.

Matthew Simpson walked in the fifth, moved to second on a wild pitch, then to third on Collett’s sacrifice before scoring on Jonathan Wilder’s ground out.

Harlan County (8-12) returns to action Friday at North Laurel. Hazard (17-5) plays at Letcher Central on Tuesday.

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Hazard 000 130 01 — 5. 6. 2

Harlan County 100 210 02 — 6. 6. 7

Patrick, Campbell (2), Johnson (6), Napier (7) and Caudill; Harris and Casolari. WP — Harris (3-4). LP — Napier.