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The George Rogers Clark Cardinals have lost four of their last five games, including a defeat to the rival Montgomery County Indians.

GRC (15-9) notched its last victory, 6-2, against the Nicholas County Blue Jackets on April 20. Eighth-grader Abrahm Howard platted two runs with a single, while sophomore Benjamin Fulks went 2-of-4 at the plate with an RBI. Senior Keyonte Back got the win in a three-inning, one-hit outing.

Last Friday, the Cards headed up to the eastern Kentucky mountains to battle with the Paintsville Tigers. Despite eighth-grader Haddon Cecil and junior Jordan Soliz only surrendering a combined three runs across the five innings of work, the Cards fell in defeat 4-1. Cecil took the loss but gave up only a single run against five hits and struck out four batters across four innings. Howard drove in GRC’s only run and finished 1-of-3 at the plate.

Another combined gem, this time from Soliz and junior Lochlan Hansel, and another outstanding effort from Howard could overcome a poor night at the plate against Montgomery County. The Indians shut out their bitter rivals and held them to only three hits. Howard went 2-of-3 at the plate. Soliz took the loss but tossed almost four innings of shutout ball, giving up a single hit but walking five.

The Cards dropped a 7-3 decision to Harrison County on Wednesday.

Howard’s hot-hitting has been a staple of the Cards’ lineup all season. He is hitting .371 with 23 total hits and 15 RBIs. While Howard leads the team in hits and RBIs, Fulks leads the team in batting average (.381).

Interestingly enough, GRC has yet to record a home run this season, but the Cards have swiped 88 bases, led by sophomore Kamden Mcalpine with 25.

The Cards’ rotation has also been getting it done on the mound. The team has a combined ERA of 1.99. Back leads the team with a 0.82 ERA with 39 strikeouts. He and Soliz are tied for the team lead in wins with three.

GRC facs Fleming County on Thursday and take on Martin County Friday at home before traveling to Irvine for a matchup against Estill County.