Baseball Recap: Central's Luck Changes for the Better on Thursday

Central had lost four straight, but after bumping their record up to 4-6 on Thursday that streak is in the rearview. They put the hurt on the Bellwood-Antis Blue Devils with a sharp 10-2 win. The Dragons might be getting used to big wins seeing as the team has won three contests by eight runs or more this season.

Mason Sparks

Runs

04/16/26 @ Bellwood-Antis	2
04/09/26 vs Huntingdon	2
03/24/26 vs Bishop Guilfoyle	2
03/27/26 vs Central Cambria	1

Coltin Harbaugh and Mason Sparks made a splash while hitting and pitching. On the mound, Harbaugh struck out seven batters over four innings while giving up just two earned runs off six hits. Meanwhile, Sparks struck out six batters over three innings while giving up no earned runs off two hits (and not a single walk). He has been consistent recently: he hasn't tossed less than six strikeouts in three consecutive appearances. At bat, Harbaugh went 2-for-3 with one run, one double, and one RBI, while Sparks went 2-for-4 with two runs and one RBI. Sparks is becoming a predictor of Central's success: when he posts at least two runs the team is 2-1 (and 2-5 when he doesn't).

In other batting news, Wyatt Dilling was excellent, going 3-for-5 with two RBI, one run, and one double. That's the most hits he has posted since back in April of 2025. Another player making a difference was Troy McNichol, who went 3-for-4 with two RBI and one double.

Central was getting hits left and right and finished the game having posted a batting average of .486. They are a perfect 3-0 when they post a batting average of .375 or better.

As for Bellwood-Antis, they now have a losing record of 4-5. The loss continues a trend for them in their meetings with Central: they've now lost seven in a row.

On Bellwood-Antis' side, Bradyn Partner was cooking despite his team's loss, going 1-for-3 with one home run. That home run was Partner's first of the season. The team also got some help courtesy of Brady McConnell, who went 2-for-4 with one double and one RBI.

Coming up, Central is taking a road trip to take on Bald Eagle Area at 4:30 p.m. on Monday. As for Bellwood-Antis, they will welcome Bishop McCort at 4:30 p.m. on Friday.