By Jim Walker

jim.walker@irontontribune.com

CANNONSBURG, Ky. — Two pitchers kept matching each other inning by inning until just one inning.

The Boyd County Lions used a 3-run sixth inning to edge the Ironton Fighting Tigers 5-2 on Thursday.

Grant Slater pitched a 2-hitter for the Lions as he went the distance for the win. Slater struck out 14, walked 3 and both runs were unearned.

Ironton left-hander Dawson Philyaw threw a strong game in taking the loss. Philyaw went the distance giving up 7 hits with 6 strikeouts and 2 walks. All 5 runs were earned.

The game was scoreless until the third inning when each team scored 2 runs.

Jason Maddy led off with a walk for Ironton, Tyler Roach reached on an error and Ian Ginger “Snap” singled to drive home Maddy with Roach going to third base. Jon Wylie grounded out a Roach scored.

Boyd County (23-3) came back to tie the game in the bottom of the inning.

Josh Kelley led off with a single, Ryan Brown walked and J McKnight bunted for a hit to load the bases.

Alex Martin and Peyton Jackson each hit sacrifice flies.

The Lions snapped the tie with 3 runs in the bottom of the sixth inning.

With one out, Michael Potter was hit by a pitch and Kelley put down a sacrifice bunt. Brown singled home Potter for the lead.

McKnight doubled home Brown and then Martin capped the rally with an RBI double.

Ginger was 1-4 with an RBI and Roach 1-3 for Ironton (13-8).

McKnight was 3-4 with a double and RBI to pace the Lions. Martin was 1-4 with a double and 2 RBI, Brogan Jackson and Kelley were 1-2 and Brown was 1-2 with an RBI.

Ironton 002 000 0 = 2 2 3

Boyd Co. 002 003 x = 5 7 1

Dawson Philyaw and Brady Moatz. Grant Slater and Caleb Gray. W-Slater (IP-7.0, H-2, R-2, ER-0, K-14, BB-3, HBP-1). L-Philyaw (IP-6.0, H-7, R-5, ER-5, K-6, BB-2, HBP-2). Hitting-Ironton: Ian Ginger 1-4 RBI, Tyler Roach 1-3, Jon Wylie RBI; Boyd County: Ryan Brown 1-2 RBI, J.K. McKnight 3-4 2B RBI, Alex Martin 1-4 2B 2-RBI, Brogan Jackson 1-2. Josh Kelley 1-2.