Central and Bellefonte are an even 5-5 against one another since May of 2017, but likely not for long. The Dragons will head out on the road to take on the Red Raiders at 4:30 p.m. on Monday. Both squads will be entering this one on the heels of a big victory.
Bellefonte will be up against a hot Central squad: the team just extended their winning streak to three. The Dragons were the clear victors by an 11-1 margin over Bedford on Tuesday. That's two games straight that the Dragons have won by exactly ten runs.
Mason Sparks
| 03/19/26 vs Bellefonte | 4 |
| 03/25/26 @ Chestnut Ridge | 3 |
| 05/01/26 @ Westmont Hilltop | 2 |
| 04/01/26 vs Hollidaysburg | 2 |
| 05/05/26 vs Bedford | 1 |
| + 1 more games |
Mason Sparks spent all seven innings on the mound, and it's clear why: he surrendered only one earned run on three hits and racked up nine Ks. He is becoming a predictor of Central's success: when he allows at most one earned run the team is 4-1 (and 6-7 when he doesn't).
On the hitting side, Central let Colton Porecca and Jesse Muthler run wild. Porecca went 2-for-3 with one home run, two runs, and two RBI, while Muthler got on base in all three of his plate appearances with three runs, one triple, and one stolen base. That's the most runs Muthler has posted since back in March. Troy McNichol also deserves some recognition as he snagged his first stolen base of the season.
Central hit smart and finished the game with only one strikeout. They are a perfect 3-0 when they post two or more strikeouts.
Meanwhile, there's no place like home for Bellefonte, who bounced back after a loss on the road on Thursday. They put the hurt on Westmont Hilltop with a sharp 8-2 victory on Friday.
Carsen Henry looked comfortable as he tossed three innings while giving up no earned runs off three hits. He has been consistent: he hasn't given up more than two walks in eight consecutive appearances.
At the plate, Cameron Lucas and Quentin Crouthamel did most of the damage at the plate: Lucas went 1-for-3 with one stolen base, one run, and one RBI, while Crouthamel went 2-for-3 with one double and one RBI. Another player making a difference was Braeden Fortney, who went 1-for-3 with one stolen base, one run, and one RBI.
Central's record is now 10-8. As for Bellefonte, their record now sits at 14-4.
Monday's matchup will be a test for both teams' pitchers. Central hasn't had any issues making contact this season, having earned a batting average of .354. However, it's not like Bellefonte struggles in that department as they've averaged .343. With both teams so capable at the plate, fans should be ready for an impressive hitting performance.
Central might still be hurting after the 10-2 loss they got from Bellefonte in their previous matchup back in March. Can the Dragons avenge their defeat or is history doomed to repeat itself? We'll find out soon enough.
