The Taylor County Cardinals (17-3) got a 5-3 victory over the Central Hardin Bruins (10-12) on Monday, April 28, 2025, at Taylor County Middle School, adding another chapter to a rivalry spanning over two decades. The Region 5 baseball clash, the 13th meeting between the programs since 2003, saw the Cardinals maintain their edge in a competitive series.
With the win, Taylor County improved to 9-4 all-time against Central Hardin, including five victories in 5th Region Tournament play. The Cardinals, holding a .64663 RPI and a 6-1 region record, solidified their position atop the Region 5 standings. Central Hardin, with a .51547 RPI and a 6-4 region record, fell to 10-12 on the season despite a spirited effort.
Taylor County’s offense, which has scored 165 runs in 20 games, was led by key contributors like junior Grayson Kearney (33-for-75, .440), senior Luke Hayes (27-for-64, .422), and junior Cole McLean (25-for-66, .379). The Cardinals’ pitching staff, boasting a 1.83 team ERA, likely relied on starters like senior Gabe Cole (3-1, 1.11 ERA) or McLean (6-0, 0.20 ERA) to limit Central Hardin’s bats. Central Hardin’s lineup, which has tallied 148 runs in 23 games, featured standouts like senior Chase Price (23-for-64, .359), senior Kellen Brandenburg (23-for-67, .343), and senior Reece Cowley (16-for-57, .281), but managed only three runs against Taylor County’s stingy defense, which has allowed just 46 runs all season.
The historical rivalry has seen both teams trade blows. Taylor County dominated early matchups, including a 14-0 rout in 2003 and an 11-0 shutout in 2018, both in five innings. Central Hardin responded with wins like an 11-2 victory in the 2010 5th Region Tournament and a 14-3 thrashing in 2011. Recent games have been tighter, with Taylor County edging Central Hardin 3-2 in the 2023 5th Region Tournament and Central Hardin claiming a 4-1 win on April 28, 2023. The 2025 matchup continued the trend of closely contested battles.
Central Hardin, coached by Steve Delabar, returns home to face Fort Knox on April 29. Taylor County, under coach Brandon Gupton, prepares for a matchup against Pulaski County. With the 5th Region Tournament on the horizon, both teams remain in contention in a highly competitive region.
