Big Red finishes regular season on a high note with win over CCHS | Local News, Sports, Employment

Big Red Baseball Secures Victory Over Catholic Central

In a regular-season finale showdown between cross-town rivals, Big Red baseball secured a 7-1 victory over Catholic Central in a game that showcased effective, albeit not flashy, play.

Despite only mustering three hits, Big Red managed to bring in seven runs through a combination of wild pitches, errors, hit by pitches, and RBI fielder’s choices. Head coach Fred Heatherington praised his team’s ability to capitalize on opportunities, stating, “We left a ton of guys on base, but we got them in when we had to.”

Pitcher Hayden Hicks played a crucial role in the victory, pitching a complete game with 12 strikeouts and limiting the Crusaders to just three singles. Heatherington commended Hicks for his resilience on the mound, noting, “If he’s around the zone, he’s tough to hit.”

Central coach Don Young acknowledged his team’s struggles, stating, “It’s hard to be a good baseball team that way. We take two steps forward and then one back it seems.”

With the regular season now behind them, both teams are looking ahead to the tournament. Big Red, with a 17-5 record, is set to host the winner of an upcoming sectional semifinal, while Catholic Central will travel to face Shadyside.

Despite the loss, Central’s Alex Solema put up a valiant effort on the mound, striking out nine but ultimately falling short against Big Red’s strong performance. As both teams shift their focus to the postseason, the competition is sure to heat up as they vie for success in the tournament.