A Tough Loss for Central Mountain
The Central Mountain baseball squad saw its season come to a close on Thursday night as they dropped a 7‑3 decision to Hollidaysburg in the District 6 Class 5A championship game. The defeat marks only the second time since 2018 that the team has failed to capture the district title, finishing the year with a 14‑5 record.
Hollidaysburg’s starting pitcher, Vince Boland, turned in a dominant performance, striking out nine batters while allowing just four hits. His command on the mound set the tone for a game that swung early in the visitors’ favor.
Central Mountain’s offense found a spark in the fifth inning when Blake Walker launched a two‑run home run, cutting the deficit to three. The team generated several more chances in the fifth, sixth and seventh frames, but timely defensive plays by Hollidaysburg kept the lead intact.
Two errors in the second inning proved costly, allowing Hollidaysburg to build a three‑run advantage that they never relinquished. Coach Mike Kramer later praised the graduating seniors for their contributions, noting that their leadership had been a cornerstone of the program’s recent success.
While the loss stings, the team’s 14‑5 campaign underscores a resilient season filled with competitive moments. With a core group of seniors now moving on, the future looks bright for Central Mountain baseball, and fans will be eager to see how the next generation builds on this foundation.