Fort Knox Can't Hold the Fort Down as Wildcats Win Big on Senior Night, 13-3

Team Ranks Top in State in Team Batting Average, Holds Other Team & Individual State Rankings

Edmonson County senior pitcher Layne Ashley delivers a pitch against Ft. Know on May 16, 2024.

Darren Doyle, story and photos:
The Wildcats defeated the Fort Knox Eagles last night in Brownsville on this season's senior night, where eight seniors were honored.

Edmonson County put the first run on the board in a big way, as sophomore infielder Hunter Wilson crushed a solo homer to center field. After a hit batsman and a couple of singles, the Wildcats led 3-0 going into the second.

Sophomore Hunter Wilson is congratulated at home plate after a solo home run against Ft. Knox.

Senior catcher Dakotah Curtis catches a swing and miss against a Ft. Knox batter.

Senior Kaleb Kitches puts the ball in play against Ft. Knox.

The Wildcats ran into trouble in the third inning, despite getting two fairly easy outs. Ft. Knox drew a walk, reached on an error, another walk, then two consecutive singles tied the score at 3-0.

The bottom of the third was big for the Wildcats, scoring 5 runs in the inning after a two walks, two singles, and two doubles for an 8-3 lead.

Senior pitcher Layne Ashley was more than settled in at this point and the Wildcat defense held the Eagles scoreless through the remainder of the contest that ended in the run-ruled sixth inning with a 13-3 win.

Michael Mills steals third base against Ft. Knox.

Leading the offense for the Wildcats was senior Levi Meredith, going 3-4 with a double and 3 RBIs, senior Alex Elkins 3-4 with an RBI, senior Michael Mills was 2-2 with a triple, double, and an RBI, and senior Colton Webb was 1-4 with a double and 3 RBIs.

In addition to Wilson's home run, senior Dakotah Curtis, sophomore Drew Pierce, senior Kaleb Kitchens also notched singles.

Ashley pitched five and a third innings, giving up three runs on five hits. He walked five and struck out six. Hunter Wilson pitched two thirds of an inning in relief, striking out two.

Senior Colton Webb at bat against Ft. Knox.

Seventh grader Coltyn Lyons slides into home plate against Fort Knox.

Sophomore Drew Pierce makes a throw from third base for an out against Ft. Knox.

The Wildcats have improved to a record of 21-8 on the season.

The team boasts multiple state rankings on the season, including the best total team batting average in the state at .396.

They are also ranked #5 for total hits (299), #3 for doubles (62), #36 for triples with 9, #49 for home runs with 9 on the year, #8 for RBIs with 225, and #14 for total runs scored, with 263 on the season. In addition, they are also ranked #44 with team stolen bases at 42, and ranked #30 among ERA leaders at 2.49 as a team.

Sophomore Hunter Wilson currently holds the third best batting average in Kentucky at .562, senior Levi Meredith is ranked 19th with an average of .488, and each hold spot number 14 in the state for doubles (14).

Meredith is also on the list for most runs scored this season, ranked #4 in the state with 47.

Wilson is also ranked 18th in the state for home runs this season with 6, number 34th in walks (27), ranked third statewide in slugging (1.000), and #6 in total RBIs (44). He also holds spot #16 in pitching wins this season with 7.

Senior Michael Mills sits at number 39 in the state for stolen bases on the year with 26.

Seniors honored last night included Layne Ashley, Dakotah Curtis, Alex Elkins, Kaleb Kitchens, Levi Meredith, Michael Mills, and Colton Webb.

After the final regular game of the season tonight at home against Monroe County, they will be set to take on Trinity (Whitesville) next week in the District 12 Tournament.