Campbell County Baseball defeats Claiborne Bulldogs 9-6

By Jake Monday, Voice of the Cougars

JACKSBORO, TN (WLAF)- The Cougars have improved their record now to 4-2 last night after a win over the Claiborne Bulldogs. It was Head Coach Adam Ellison’s first game back after serving a two game suspension from an ejection in last Thursday’s loss at Oneida to the Indians. “That was a miserable two games for me to say the least. I give so much credit to our coaching staff and our kids for buying in to this program and doing the little things right. They are the reason we are 4-2,” said Ellison.

It started on the mound for the Cougars in a tandem duo of Rylan Rice and Jake Lawson. Rice threw 100 pitches though 5 2/3 innings, striking out five batter with seven walks while surrendering three hits for five runs, one earned. Lawson came in to stop the bleeding in relief, bridging the gap with one strikeout and three walks, giving up three hits for one earned run.

Following the trend of the previous four games, the bats kept the boys ahead all night, getting three runs to start the first frame, with Landon Nataro, Rylan Rice, and Caden Idles all with base knocks. Logan Belew would cash in two RBIs to close the rally. The Cougars biggest inning came in the third, after capitalizing on some key fielding blunders from the visitors, putting up four runs to take a 7-2 lead at the time.

“We are hunting fastballs. In order to be successful in this district, you have to be able to hit a fastball. Rome wasn’t built in a day, but today we did a great job of hitting the ball hard. Got some help from their defense, but putting the ball in play and good things happen,” said Coach Ellison.

The game grew closer in the final inning with two outs as Claiborne loaded the bases. You have to give credit to the loyal fan base atop Brown-Archer Field for cheering their home team on, willing a fly ball to center to close the book on another victory. “I’m very proud of our guys. They have showed what culture they are building. They have so much character, so much heart,” said Ellison.

Campbell County will get a few days away from game action before its next matchup on the road Friday night against Maryville Christian School. First pitch is set for 5:30. (WLAF NEWS PUBLISHED-03/11/2026-6AM)