Worth County edges Miller County with one hit

Rams win tight defensive battle 3-2 on passed ball in 7th inning

Published on Feb. 18, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

In a low-scoring affair, Worth County defeated visiting Miller County 3-2 on Monday, winning the game on a passed ball in the bottom of the seventh inning despite managing just one hit. The Rams played strong defense, turning two double plays and committing no errors, while getting a solid pitching performance from starter Landon Rachels and closer DJ Easom.

Why it matters

The win keeps Worth County undefeated at 4-0 on the young season, while Miller County suffered its first loss. The game highlighted the importance of fundamentals like defense and pitching in high school baseball, where big offensive outbursts are not always necessary to come out on top.

The details

Worth County's lone hit came from Avery Kilcrease in the first inning, but the Rams were able to scratch across three runs thanks to walks, a sacrifice fly, and a passed ball that allowed the winning run to score in the bottom of the seventh. Landon Rachels pitched five solid innings for Worth County, while DJ Easom tossed two hitless frames in relief to earn the win.

  • The game was played on Monday, February 17, 2026.
  • Worth County scored the winning run in the bottom of the seventh inning.

The players

Will Smith

Worth County head coach.

Brodey Hancock

Worth County sophomore shortstop who scored the winning run.

Landon Rachels

Worth County pitcher who made his first varsity start, working five innings and allowing two earned runs.

DJ Easom

Worth County relief pitcher who tossed two hitless innings to earn the win.

Brayden Horn

Miller County player who doubled and scored in the first inning.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“We stole one tonight.”

— Will Smith, Worth County head coach (albanyherald.com)

“If you play solid defense and keep putting the bat on the ball, sometimes you get a win without a bunch of hits.”

— Will Smith, Worth County head coach (albanyherald.com)

“Landon did a really good job. That was his first start in a varsity game. He threw strikes, kept his composure and pitched really well. He has worked very hard to get this opportunity.”

— Will Smith, Worth County head coach (albanyherald.com)

“DJ was dealing. They couldn't hit anything he threw up there. Excellent work by DJ.”

— Will Smith, Worth County head coach (albanyherald.com)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This game highlighted the importance of fundamentals like defense and pitching in high school baseball, where big offensive outbursts are not always necessary to come out on top. Worth County's ability to win a tight, low-scoring affair despite managing just one hit shows that solid team play can overcome a lack of offensive firepower.