With the loss of last year’s entire season, the baseball team has had to regain trust, leadership, and an overall feel for the game. Although the restart is challenging, Central continues to grow through it and has gained a three game win streak.

On Opening Day, March 15, the Pounders played the Hixson Wildcats, a district rival, at Hixson High School. Freshman Evan Schwarzl started the game pitching. Within the first inning, the Wildcats put up five runs, making solid contact with the ball. The Pounders struggled making routine plays, adding up errors for the team. Hixson capitalized upon these mistakes, and the five inning game came to a close; the final score was 10-0. The Pounders were expected to rematch Hixson at home the following day. However, due to heavy rain, the game had to be postponed, and it has been rescheduled for Wednesday, April 14.

Central participated in the Wildcat Classic from March 18 to March 20. The Pounders played a series of games against South Pittsburg, Gwinnett, East Hamilton, and Mount Juliet. The Pounders entered the South Pittsburg and Gwinnett games strong, keeping both games close at the beginning. Bad innings cost the Pounders in both games, and both ended in losses. The scores were 3-8 against South Pittsburg and 3-17 against Gwinnett. On Saturday, March 20, Central played East Hamilton, who are new district opponents. Sophomore Keaton Hesson started the game pitching. The Pounders could not gain their footing as the outfield struggled, and Central lost the game, 5-13. The Pounders went on to face Mount Juliet later in the day. Central played well, but they could not get their bats around. They lost 0-9.

“We have been able to contain our emotions through the bad times. The team has progressed by going the extra mile in securing positions in order to stand out on the lineup,” said Sophomore Keaton Hesson, shortstop and starting pitcher.

On Monday, March 22, the Pounders played a double header against Brainerd, a district opponent. They started off the game struggling in pitching, giving up quite a few walks, but the team bounced back. The Pounders finished the five inning game strong, winning 11-6. In the second game, Central started to put all of the pieces together. Sophomore Dylan Brown controlled the mound for the entire game, pitching a no-hitter. The game ended 17-0, an impressive victory for the Pounders.

On Friday, March 26, Central played York Institute. The Pounders instantly gained a big lead, scoring five runs within the first inning. York’s struggle with walks assisted Central’s impressive start. Hesson came in to pitch and completed three innings with no runs scored. After Hesson’s impressive showcase, Central put Schwarzl in to pitch. Then, errors began to unfold, and the Pounders gave up seven runs. Dylan Brown came in to switch up the game, and the Pounders play started to improve. Going into the seventh and final inning, the score was tied at eight. Central played great defense and held York scoreless. The Pounders then went on to secure a walk-off win, with Senior Jeremy Rogers batting in the winning run. Central seized victory over York, 9-8.

Readers can view the latest sports updates on the sports center page. This is where schedules, scores, and rosters will be posted. The Digest will continue to bring the latest coverage and updates as the 2021 season progresses.