Baseball Recap: Homer-Center Picks Up Fifth Straight Win at Home

Wildcats

Margin (Wins)

04/22/25 vs Purchase Line	14
04/25/25 vs Penns Manor	10
04/23/25 @ Penns Manor	10
04/09/25 @ Purchase Line	10
04/17/25 @ Portage	9

Homer-Center came out on top against Penns Manor on Friday thanks in part to the team's impressive seven-run second inning. The Wildcats were the clear victors by a 12-2 margin over the Comets. Considering the Wildcats have won seven matchups by more than five runs this season, Friday's blowout was nothing new.

Nash Budner was a major factor no matter where he played. On the mound, he struck out seven batters over four innings while giving up just two earned runs off one hit. Budner was also solid in the batter's box, going 2-for-4 with one stolen base and two RBI. He has been hot recently, having posted at least one stolen base the last four times he's played.

In other batting news, Homer-Center got a massive performance out of Dom Shimko, who got on base in three of his five plate appearances with two runs, two RBI, and one double. That double marked the first that Shimko has hit this season. Nathan Birchall was another key player, getting on base in all four of his plate appearances with two RBI and one run.

Homer-Center hit smart and finished the game with only one strikeout. The team has now struck out at least five batters in six consecutive games.

Homer-Center pushed their record up to 11-3 with the victory, which was their fifth straight at home. The home wins came thanks in part to their pitching effort, having only surrendered 4.0 runs on average over those games. As for Penns Manor, they are on a seven-game losing streak that has dropped them down to 2-9.

Both squads are looking forward to the support of their home crowds in their upcoming games. Homer-Center will square off against Summit Academy at 7:00 p.m. on Saturday. The Knights have struggled to contain batters this season (they've allowed 15.5 runs per game on average), something the Wildcats will no doubt try to take advantage of. As for Penns Manor, they will be playing at home against Blacklick Valley at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday. The Vikings will roll in looking for their 12th straight victory, something the Comets surely won't give up without a fight.