By JIM WALKER

Tribune Sports Editor

 

LLOYD, Ky. — Alex Thackston can make a little go a long way.

Fairland managed to score only one run, but that was enough for Thackston who fired a two-hit shutout as the Dragons opened the season with a 1-0 win over the Greenup County Musketeers on Monday.

Thackston struck out 15 and walked just one in blanking the Musketeers (4-2).

“Alex was really on. He threw his curveball for strikes. He carried us,” said Fairland coach Bryan Ward.

“It was the opening game of the season against a good team, so it was a good win.”

The Dragons got their only run in the first inning.

Corey Barker and Eric Riley singled and Thackston hit into a double play to put Barker at third base. Kyle Raines then hit a slow roller but the shortstop was unable to come up with the ball as the run scored.

The Musketeers posed a threat in the seventh inning.

After a leadoff walk, the Musketeers attempted to steal second base but the runner was thrown out by catcher Josh Ross. Seth Boyle then double on the next pitch.

“That was a big play. (The double) was the only hard-hit ball they had. The runner would probably have scored,” said Ward.

Boyle pitched well in taking the loss as he allowed four hits, struck out nine and walked one.

Fairland plays at Ironton on Thursday.

Fairland 100 000 0 = 1 4 0

Greenup 000 000 0 = 0 2 2

Alex Thackston and Josh Ross. Seth Boyle and Zach Hutchinson. W-Thackston (K-15, BB-1). L-Boyle (K-9, BB-1). 2B-GC: Seth Boyle. Hitting-Fairland: Corey Barker 1-2, Eric Riley 1-3, Kyle Raines 1-3, Blaine Fuller 1-3; Greenup County: Seth Boyle 2-3.