The Billings Central Baseball team had an impressive performance against Skyview on the 9th of April, scoring 15 runs which led to a 15-3 victory over the Falcons. The team had an impressive game, displaying their teamwork and abilities in order to dominate on the field against a team that had defeated them twice last season. This victory brought the team’s record to 5-1 and brought them one step closer to gaining back-to-back State Championships.
Freshman Landon Desin stretches across the mound as he pitches the ball. (Courtesy)
The student section witnessed the excellent performance by the Billings Central Baseball team that day, as each player highlighted their skills during the game. Whether it was on the plate or in the outfield, they had Skyview’s number all night. The teamwork displayed during the game that day ensured their victory. Blake Skillstead, a right fielder for the baseball team, explained,“It was mostly a team effort, we come out and we play as a team.”
This game was even more interesting due to the history between Central and Skyview’s baseball teams. Skyview won two games against Central last season, and Central had not forgotten. The team clearly wanted to win in a game against the team they had lost to the season prior. Fr. John Pankratz, Central’s coach, said, “I thought it was one of our most complete games of the year. We faced a team that we lost to twice last year, so for us to come out and perform at a high level felt really good.”
(From L to R) Sophomores Tyce Halter and Cole Reas exchange words after an inning against Skyview. (Courtesy)
However, Central did not celebrate too early; instead, they started and finished the game strong. The team had to keep up the confidence throughout the game. On the importance of mentality, Pankratz said, “Our goal is just to fight until the very last out… whether you’re in a close game or a blowout, we have to try and take advantage of the next at bat or the next opportunity you have.” For the team, it was not about making big plays; it was about fighting until the very end.
When the stakes were high, Billings Central’s baseball team prevailed. Despite the history that the two teams had, Central’s team did not let that deter them from victory. The mindset throughout the game led to a decisive 15-3 victory against the Falcons at Pirtz field. The Central baseball team performed strongly and confidently during the game and are now looking forward to taking that mentality with them into the later half of the season.
