BY GENE NARDI
On Friday, March 1, the Palm Beach Central High School varsity baseball team hosted Auburndale High School in a much-anticipated game. The Broncos bested the Hounds, coming away with a 2-0 victory.
The shutout pushed the Broncos forward to a 6-1 record on the season. The team’s only loss came at the hands of Trinity Christian School earlier in the season. Palm Beach Central rebounded with four victories to maintain their spot among the top ten schools in the county.
The Broncos are in District 9-8A, which is arguably one of the most competitive in the state.
It took three innings for the Broncos to get on the board, taking a 1-0 lead over Auburndale. The final run of the game came in the fourth inning.
Auburndale twice had the bases loaded but came up empty. Both teams had six hits, but the Broncos only gave up one error. The solid Bronco defense locked down any chances for the Hounds.
Palm Beach Central’s lefty pitcher John Padich (2-0) had a season-best appearance. He pitched a complete game, striking out 10 batters and serving up no walks. Senior Raige Hasko was 2-for-3 with two doubles, both leading to RBIs.
Palm Beach Central hosted Haines City High School on Saturday, March 2. The Broncos slipped past the Hornets, 7-6.
The Broncos hosted Park Vista High School on Tuesday night and traveled to Pahokee High School on Wednesday, but results were not available at press time.
Above: Bronco Tim Becker at bat.
