PRESTONSBURG - In late-March, the Prestonsburg High School baseball team had its share of struggles. But April has been much better to the Blackcats. Last week, Prestonsburg, coached by Bob Shepherd, played five games in over five days. All five outings, including a doubleheader against Phelps, results in Blackcat wins.

On Thursday, Prestonsburg beat Jenkins 10-2 in a game that due to darkness was called after five innings. The Blackcats returned to the field Friday, hosting rival South Floyd. Prestonsburg grabbed the all-important district win, beating the Raiders 6-2.

South Floyd went ahead 1-0 in the top half of the first inning when Justin Slone, who reached base following a single, scored. The lead for South Floyd proved to be very short-lived. Prestonsburg exploded for five runs in the bottom half of the first inning and never looked back. Brandon Campbell, Bobby Hughes, Nick McGuire, Corey Tincher and Josh Rodebaugh - the first five hitters in the Prestonsburg batting order - all reached base and scored in the first inning. Campbell scored twice. His first-inning effort included a double in his second plate appearance.

South Floyd got one run apiece in each of the second and third innings, but couldn't overcome Prestonsburg's five-run first inning.

Rodebaugh pitched and recorded the win for the Blackcats. He helped his cause with a pair of singles and a double. Brenton Hamilton added a single and a double.

Prestonsburg 6, Belfry 3: The Prestonsburg-Belfry rivalry goes deeper than the gridiron. The two rivals hooked up Wednesday evening in Pike County. Host Belfry put Prestonsburg away in order in the top half of the first inning and scored a run in its half of the opening frame. After being held scoreless in the first inning, Prestonsburg came alive, scoring two runs in the second inning as first baseman Josh Rodebaugh and pitcher Brenton Hamilton each singled and scored.

Prestonsburg led 2-1 at the end of the second inning. The game was deadlocked at 3-3 in the seventh inning when each of Prestonsburg's top three batters reached base and scored. Brandon Campbell and Bobby Hughes each singled and Nick McGuire drew a walk. All three scored with Campbell coming around to touch home plate following a Belfry balk.

Hamilton reached base four times for the Blackcats. he finished with two singles, a double and a base on balls. Rodebaugh added a couple of singles.

Belfry added a single run in both the fifth and sixth innings. Chris Varney singled and came around to score in the fifth and Aaron Chapman singled and eventually scored in the sixth.

The win was Prestonsburg's sixth straight. The Blackcats have bounced back nicely following a 1-3 start.

Prestonsburg was due back in action yesterday evening, playing out on the road in Pike County against Shelby Valley.