By Steve Wiiliams
Central High’s baseball team had a successful and enjoyable time in the PCB ProspectU Spring Break Tournament in Panama City Beach, FL last week, March 9-12.
It was the third straight year Head Coach Brandon Roberts’ Bobcats have made the trip to the Sunshine State.
Central defeated Cottondale 6-3 in Game 1, lost to Niceville 3-2 in Game 2, walloped Mosely 13-5 in Game 3 and blanked Lighthouse Christian 9-0 in Game 4.
Overall, the Bobcats’ offensive leader on the trip was Austin Duncan. The junior catcher / outfielder reached base 12 out of 16 at-bats with five hits, six walks and a HBP.
Senior outfielder Drew Shaver had four hits and four RBIs, including two doubles.
Nick Riordan, a senior INF/OF/RHP, had five hits and six RBIs, including three doubles and a triple.
The “Pitching Standouts” included a staff that struck out 30 batters and allowed only six earned runs in the four games.
Andrew Bivens went five innings with seven strikeouts. Waylon Perry hurled four innings and gave up only one hit and struck out three. Lincoln Elmore pitched three innings, allowed one hit and struck out two.
Additional activities on the trip included practicing at Gulf Coast State College, morning workouts on the beach, Top Golf Team building, and multiple team meals together (especially at Diego’s Mexican Restaurant).
“This trip is not only great for the quality of baseball that we get to play, but more importantly the amount of time we get to spend together and the bonds that our players get to form over the week,” said Coach Roberts.
The weather also was nice. “Beautiful! Sunny and 75 daily!” added Roberts.
