Centralia hasn’t had a baseball season in a long time.
The Panthers, who were ranked third in the Class 3 state rankings released Monday, defeated North Callaway 7-2 on the same day in the …
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Centralia hasn’t had a baseball season in a long time.
The Panthers, who were ranked third in the Class 3 state rankings released Monday, defeated North Callaway 7-2 on the same day in the Class 3 District 7 championship game at Battle High School in Columbia. Centralia (26-1) scored six runs in the second inning on its way to its first district title since 2004 and snapped North Callaway’s streak of two straight district championships.
Grant Kendrick pitched five innings with five strikeouts, four walks, three hits and two runs to earn his ninth win of the season, tying the school’s single-season record set by assistant coach Chad Thall.
Cole Higginson added to his school single-season home run record of nine with a solo home run to lead off the second inning. Oliver Bohlmeyer had a two-RBI double later in the inning, Anthony Ford hit a two-RBI double of his own to finish 2-for-3 with two RBIs and two doubles, and Chase Kempker tacked on a RBI single.
Coltyn O’Neal walked to lead off the game for North Callaway (18-10) and stole second base to add to his school single-season record of 38 stolen bases. O’Neal, who finished 1-for-2, advanced to third on a Chance Green single and then he and Green scored on a play to give Chett Bassett two RBIs.
Bassett pitched three innings in his start before being relieved by Tucker Sheets, who went three innings with one strikeout, one hit and one walk.
“I’m very proud of the way the team kept competing throughout the game,” North Callaway head coach Kevin O’Neal said. “I want to thank the seniors for their leadership.”
Centralia plays the Class 3 District 8 champion in sectionals on Tuesday.
