CINCINNATI, Oh. (WMDJ) — It was a rough night for the Reds, falling 8-3 to the Pirates at Great American Ballpark.

The game unraveled early, with most of the damage coming in the second inning. Starting pitcher Brandon Williamson allowed five runs in the frame. Nick Yorke got things started with a sacrifice fly to score Nick Gonzales. Ryan O’Hearn followed with a three-run homer, and Bryan Reynolds added a solo shot to make it 5-0.

The Pirates added another in the fourth when Oneil Cruz launched a 444-foot home run to right-center, extending the lead to 6-0.

Cincinnati got on the board in the third when a defensive miscue helped bring home Noelvi Marte.

The Reds showed some life late. Elly De La Cruz hit a solo homer in the eighth, followed by a home run from rookie Sal Stewart to cut the deficit to 6-3.

However, Cruz struck again in the ninth with a two-run homer after a Nick Gonzales single, putting the game out of reach at 8-3.

Williamson struggled on the mound, allowing six runs on six hits, including three home runs.

For Pittsburgh, top prospect Bubba Chandler walked six but limited the damage, striking out six and allowing just one run in a little over four innings.

The Reds also lost both of their ABS challenges on the night.

The series wraps up tomorrow afternoon in Cincinnati. Pregame coverage begins at 12:10 p.m., with first pitch set for 12:40. Paul Skenes is expected to start for Pittsburgh against Andrew Abbott for the Reds. You can always tune in to WMDJ for Reds baseball, all season long!

CINCINNATI, Oh. (WMDJ) — The Cincinnati Reds picked up their third straight win over NL Central rival Pittsburgh, shutting out the Pirates 2-0 Monday night at Great American Ballpark.

Chase Burns was sharp on the mound, going five innings while allowing just one hit and striking out seven. Was also the first big league win of his young career. 

The Reds broke through in the fourth inning. Spencer Steer brought in Sal Stewart on a sacrifice fly to open the scoring.

Later in the inning, Will Benson added an RBI triple, scoring Eugenio Suárez all the way from first to make it 2-0.

Stewart also continues a historic start, becoming just the second rookie since 1901 to reach base safely at least three times in each of his team’s first four games.

The Reds and Pirates meet again Tuesday evening at Great American Ballpark. The Inside Pitch pregame show starts at 6:10, with first pitch at 6:40 on WMDJ FM 100.1.

CINCINNATI, Oh. (WMDJ) — The Cincinnati Reds won their second straight and got the series victory against the Boston Red Sox this afternoon at Great American Ballpark by a score of 3-2. 

Things didn't look so good for the Reds in the top of the fourth as Red Sox outfielder Wilyer Abreu continued his hot hitting with a two-run homer to go up 2-0. 

But in the bottom of the sixth, Reds DH Eugenio Suárez hit the deciding three-run home run to seal the deal. 

Next up for the Redlegs, they welcome their fellow NL Central Pittsburgh Pirates to town tomorrow evening. We'll have pregame coverage starting at 6:10 PM with first pitch scheduled for 6:40 PM on your home for Reds baseball, WMDJ FM 100.1!

CINCINNATI, Oh. (WMDJ) — The Cincinnati Reds picked up a walk-off win in extra innings Saturday, defeating the Boston Red Sox 6-5 at Great American Ball Park.

Cincinnati got off to a fast start, building a 4-1 lead through the first three innings. Elly De La Cruz and Sal Stewart each hit home runs to help power the early offense.

Boston chipped away and tied the game in the ninth inning on a home run by Wilyer Abreu, forcing extra innings.

After both teams were held scoreless in the 10th, the Reds broke through in the 11th. With a runner in scoring position, Dane Myers delivered a walk-off single to seal the win.

Matt McLain added three hits for Cincinnati as the Reds recovered from a late blown save to secure the victory.

The Reds continue their series with Boston this afternoon. The Inside Pitch pregame show is scheduled for 1:10 PM and first pitch is set for 1:40 PM. Listen to the Reds all season long on your home for Reds baseball, WMDJ FM 100.1.

PRESTONSBURG, Ky. (WMDJ) — Prestonsburg High School has named Shawn Hager as the new head coach of the Blackcats boys basketball program.

As a player, Hager won three regional championships during his high school career. He later played at Alice Lloyd College, where he helped the Eagles reach four straight national tournament appearances.

School officials said Hager has also found success as a coach. While serving as interim head coach, he led his team to a 58th District championship.

Prestonsburg Principal Brandon Kidd said Hager brings experience and knowledge to the program and will help it continue to grow on and off the court.

Athletic Director Tony Pacheco said Hager’s character, leadership and passion made him the right choice to guide student-athletes and represent Blackcat Nation.

Hager said he is excited for the opportunity to join the Blackcat basketball program and is looking forward to getting started with the players.

School officials said they believe Hager will make a strong impact on the team, the school and the community.

PRESTONSBURG, Ky. (WMDJ) — Prestonsburg High School has named Rick Ward as the new head coach of the Lady Blackcats basketball program.

School officials announced Ward’s hiring this week. He has been part of the Prestonsburg basketball program for the past nine years and has helped build the foundation of the team’s success.

Prestonsburg Principal Brandon Kidd said Ward has played a major role in the program and is well suited to lead it moving forward. Kidd previously served as head coach and worked alongside Ward during his time with the team.

The school said Ward’s commitment to student-athletes, the school, and the community made him the right choice for the position.

Ward now takes over leadership of the Lady Blackcats program as Prestonsburg looks to continue its tradition on the court.

PIKEVILLE, Ky. (WMDJ) — Just like the Girls' 15th Region Championship, the Boys' 15th Region Championship game features the Johnson Central Golden Eagles and the Pikeville Panthers.

Johnson Central advanced to tonight's final by defeating Floyd Central 79-59 on Saturday night. Pikeville beat Martin County 70-61.

Get set for all the action with the Howard Family Pharmacy Countdown to Tip-Off Show at 4:40pm.

High school basketball on WMDJ-FM 100.1 is presented all season long by Appalachian Wireless, and sponsored by Meka Hall Castle for Floyd County Attorney, Howard Family Pharmacy, Floyd County Circuit Court Clerk Douglas Ray Hall, SecurAll Security Systems, Jesse Osborne Insurance, Floyd County Attorney Keith Bartley, McDowell Professional Pharmacy, Robinson’s Septic Service, Community Trust Bank, Sims Furniture, All-Pro Pest Control, and Ashley Tackett Laferty for Floyd District Court Judge.

Alvin's 32 points were the most in a girls' region championship game since Pikeville's Teresa Charles scored 36 against Sheldon Clark in 1979.

Johnson Central was led by freshman Kamryn Duncan who scored 17 points. Allie Slone pitched in with 15 for the Lady Eagles.

Pikeville will play in the first round of the Sweet 16 in Lexington on Wednesday, March 11th at 6:00pm against Notre Dame of the 9th Region, who defeated Covington Holy Cross 40-39 in overtime on Friday night.

PIKEVILLE, Ky. (WMDJ) — Belfry, Martin County, Paintsville, and Pikeville have combined to win 28 15th Region championships, and tonight in Pikeville, all four will take the court for the quarterfinals for the Boys' 15th Region Tournament at the Appalachian Wireless Arena.

The first game features the 3-time region champion Belfry Pirates, led by 2026 KABC 15th Region Coach of the Year Brent Perry, against the top scorer in the region in Braxton Keathley and the Martin County Cardinals, who have also captured three region crowns.

The nightcap has the Paintsville Tigers, winners of 10 15th Region championships, battling the Pikeville Panthers, who historically have won a region-best 12 titles.

Get set for all the action with the Howard Family Pharmacy Countdown to Tip-Off Show at 5:50pm.

High school basketball on WMDJ-FM 100.1 is presented all season long by Appalachian Wireless, and sponsored by Meka Hall Castle for Floyd County Attorney, Howard Family Pharmacy, Floyd County Circuit Court Clerk Douglas Ray Hall, SecurAll Security Systems, Jesse Osborne Insurance, Floyd County Attorney Keith Bartley, McDowell Professional Pharmacy, Robinson’s Septic Service, Community Trust Bank, Sims Furniture, All-Pro Pest Control, and Ashley Tackett Laferty for Floyd District Court Judge.

PIKEVILLE, Ky. (WMDJ) — Floyd Central used a 15-6 scoring advantage in the third quarter to come from behind to beat Pike County Central Wednesday night in the quarterfinals of the Boys' 15th Region Tournament at the Appalachian Wireless Arena.

Dylan Boyd led the Jaguars with 19 points, including four three-pointers, and was named Community Trust Bank Player of the Game.

Chris Spriggs finished closely behind with 15 points and a game-high 9 assists, and Brayden Turner added 10 points.

Lucas Howard led Floyd Central with 9 rebounds to go along with his 7 points.
Pike County Central was led by freshman Owen Bowman, who fiished with 11 points, 7 of which came in the first half. Bowman was joined in double figures by Colton Ratliff, who scored 10 points.

In the early game, Johnson Central placed four players in double figures as they breezd by Phelps 93-58.

Community Trust Bank Player of the Game Austin Slone recorded a double-double with a team-high 23 points and 13 rebounds. Brayden Shepherd scored 20 points, including 4 three-pointers. Cooper Blair added 15 points. And Mason McKenzie finished with 13 points and 8 assists.

Phelps was led by junior Tyler Weddington's game-high 26 points. Weddington also added a team-high 8 rebounds. Joining him in double figures was Ethan Fields, who finished with 13 points.

Johnson Central and Floyd Central will meet in the first semifinal game on Saturday, March 7th at 7:15pm.

PIKEVILLE, Ky. (WMDJ) — Weddington, Slone, Spriggs, Bowman, oh my!

Scoring is expected to be aplenty tonight in Pikeville as the Boys' 15th Region Tournament tips off at the Appalachian Wireless Arena.

Austin Slone, who became Johnson Central's all-time leading scorer earlier this season, leads the Golden Eagles against Tyler Weddington of Phelps and his 29.5 points per game. Tip-off is scheduled for 6:30pm.

The nightcap at 8:15pm features 58th District Tournament MVP Chris Spriggs and the Floyd Central Jaguars taking on talented freshman Owen Bowman and the Hawks of Pike County Central.

Get set for all the action with the Howard Family Pharmacy Countdown to Tip-Off Show at 5:50pm.

High school basketball on WMDJ-FM 100.1 is presented all season long by Appalachian Wireless, and sponsored by Meka Hall Castle for Floyd County Attorney, Howard Family Pharmacy, Floyd County Circuit Court Clerk Douglas Ray Hall, SecurAll Security Systems, Jesse Osborne Insurance, Floyd County Attorney Keith Bartley, McDowell Professional Pharmacy, Robinson’s Septic Service, Community Trust Bank, Sims Furniture, All-Pro Pest Control, and Ashley Tackett Laferty for Floyd District Court Judge.

PIKEVILLE, Ky. (WMDJ) — High-scorers Kylie Kinner (Paintsville) and Kylie Alvin (Pikeville) highlight the second night of the Girls' 15th Region Quarterfinals at the Appalachian Wireless Arena in Pikeville.

Fresh off her 40-point performance against Floyd Central on Saturday, Kinner leads the Paintsville Lady Tigers against the Belfry Lady Pirates at 6:30pm.

Alvin, who was named KABC 15th Region Player of the Year and is averaging 18.5 points per game, leads the Pikeville Lady Panthers against the Martin County Lady Cardinals.

Get set for all the action with the Howard Family Pharmacy Countdown to Tip-Off Show at 5:50pm.

High school basketball on WMDJ-FM 100.1 is presented all season long by Appalachian Wireless, and sponsored by Meka Hall Castle for Floyd County Attorney, Howard Family Pharmacy, Floyd County Circuit Court Clerk Douglas Ray Hall, SecurAll Security Systems, Jesse Osborne Insurance, Floyd County Attorney Keith Bartley, McDowell Professional Pharmacy, Robinson’s Septic Service, Community Trust Bank, Sims Furniture, All-Pro Pest Control, and Ashley Tackett Laferty for Floyd District Court Judge.

PIKEVILLE, Ky. (WMDJ) — For the first time since 2016, the Betsy Layne Ladycats advance to the 15th Region Tournament semifinals, as they narrowly escaped Pike County Central Monday night, 58-57 at the Appalachian Wireless Arena.

Senior Shyla Kidd connected on one of two free throws with 0.8 seconds remaining, and that one free throw proved to be the difference, as she finished with 14 points, and was also named Community Trust Bank Player of the Game.

Kidd was joined in double figures by Jaden Pente, who led the Ladycats with 19 points, and Maddy Collins, who scored 12.

Pike County Central was led by senior Leah Stanley, who scored 15 points in her final game as a member of the Lady Hawks.

In the early game Monday evening, Prestonsburg suffered a 64-30 loss at the hands of defending region champion Johnson Central.

Karlea Stanley was named Community Trust Bank Player of the Game, leading the Lady Eagles with 17 points. Martina Conley added 13 points in the win.

Lakien Stephens led Prestonsburg with seven points and five rebounds. Allison Howard, playing in her final game with the Lady Blackcats, finished with six points.

Johnson Central and Betsy Layne will meet on Friday, March 6th at 6:30pm in the first semifinal game at the Appalachian Wireless Arena in Pikeville.

PIKEVILLE, Ky. (WMDJ) — Floyd County will be represented at the Appalachian Wireless Arena Monday night during the quarterfinals of the Girls' 15th Region Tournament.

The Prestonsburg Lady Blackcats open the night at 6:30pm against the defending 15th Region champion Johnson Central Lady Eagles.

And making their first appearance in the 15th Region quarterfinals since 2017, the Besty Layne Ladycats battle the Lady Hawks of Pike County Central at 8:15pm.
Get set for all the action with the Howard Family Pharmacy Countdown to Tip-Off Show at 5:50pm.

High school basketball on WMDJ-FM 100.1 is presented all season long by Appalachian Wireless, and sponsored by Meka Hall Castle for Floyd County Attorney, Howard Family Pharmacy, Floyd County Circuit Court Clerk Douglas Ray Hall, SecurAll Security Systems, Jesse Osborne Insurance, Floyd County Attorney Keith Bartley, McDowell Professional Pharmacy, Robinson’s Septic Service, Community Trust Bank, Sims Furniture, and All-Pro Pest Control.

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