By Tim Waite/Express Central Mountain ace Adalyn McKeag (11) pitches in the team's game against Danville on Wednesday, April 10, 2024, at Central Mountain.
MILL HALL – Central Mountain knows the caliber of this year’s team and the character of the players in the dugout. Between rain cancellations and a packed schedule, the Wildcats are playing well to start the season. Central Mountain defeated Selinsgrove 19-9 on Tuesday afternoon. In a match that seemed lopsided, and it was, Shields had momentum for a while.
Veteran coaching from Central Mountain's Fred Caldwell and senior leadership from Madison Hardy, Madison Wian, Sophie Mitchell, Adalyn McKeag and Taylor Wailers will give the Wildcats confidence. Even after their 13-point lead had shrunk to his seven points, the Wildcats kept their faith in each other and held firm for a smooth landing.
“They are leaders. They have a lot of work to do this year.” Central Mountain coach Fred Caldwell said after Tuesday's game. “They're in a routine and they know what's going to happen. I tell them what to set up and they know how to set it up. They definitely set the team up themselves. Their leadership is great.”
This routine has helped Central Mountain get off to a 3-1 start to the season, including two wins with 10 or more points. The Wildcats' success is due to their experienced seniors. They laid the foundation for what could be a strong year after the Wildcats returned big numbers from last year's team and added depth to the chart as well.
Hardy leads the team in batting average (.750) and on-base percentage (.750), is tied for first in home runs with junior Cora Myers (four), and is tied for first in RBIs with Wian and Wahlers. There is. . Wahlers wasn't particularly impressive in Tuesday's game (0-for-3 at bat), but he contributed as much as he could to Central Mountain's batting staff, getting on base twice on fielder's choice plays and scoring an RBI in the third inning. did.
Selinsgrove didn't necessarily play up to the record Tuesday afternoon. They have two solid hitters in the 1st and 5th holes who could play if the other Shields can contribute. Then, in the 5th inning, he showed a good play, scoring at will even though he was facing 6 points.
Turning a 13-point deficit into single digits would be a great boost for team morale, but for Central Mountain on the other side, a 16-9 game could quickly deteriorate with two innings left.
Great teams face adversity and then learn from it, but great teams face adversity, excel in difficult times and win in the moment. Wian did it as a relief pitcher, something she had yet to do in her career at Central Mountain. Her three-inning, six-strikeout, five-walk performance was a result of the confidence her coach and team had in her.
“It goes back to their experience. They've been through enough close games. We went four extra innings a few years ago, and they're used to tough games. They don't give up and they don't give up. No panic.” Coach Caldwell said.
deep pitching
Central Mountain needs to develop pitching depth, as the softball team, like its baseball team, is developing its future among a strong senior core. Adalyn McKeag is definitely Central Mountain's ace. She led the Wildcats to a state tournament berth and broke the school's single-season strikeout record. However, she will graduate this year.
Coach Caldwell has already begun preparing for his departure. Freshman Camdyn Weaver got Selinsgrove off to a strong start, holding him to three runs, five walks, and two strikeouts in three innings. She threw 68 pitches.
Wian came on and got the job done with his first save of the season, but Wian's win and Weaver's start were important for more than just today. Central Mountain played its second of five games this week, but a schedule like that requires all players to participate, especially the pitching staff.
On Monday against Mifflin County, McKeague pitched five innings and Weaver pitched two innings. With two games and a weekend tournament coming up, McKeag's rest against Selinsgrove was crucial.
The game also showed Central Mountain's depth on the hitting side, which is nothing new to anyone, but on the pitching side it also revealed new layers of the enhanced team the Wildcats are building. .
“We have a five-game schedule this week, and obviously we can't rely on one pitcher for everything, so we mobilized the entire staff.” Coach Caldwell explained. “Cam (Weaver) I would call her the future of the program. She's a freshman and she's going to be around for a few more years, so we want to bring her in gradually.” Madisyn Wian hasn't pitched much for us, but she pitched for the travel team, so I know what she can do, and I trust her. Addie for those two. I’m glad we were able to give (McKeag) a break.”
