44TH DISTRICT BASEBALL: Central rolls to eighth-straight title
BEREA — The Indians (24-11) had plenty of arms available — and ready to pitch — heading into Thursday’s match-up with Madison Southern (17-16) in the 44th District Tournament championship game. “We had a lot of options,” Madison Central coach Steve Roof said. “But Lucas (Ward) has been one of our top guys all year.
He’s had some great games and pitched against some good teams. ” “He’s a dog,” Central senior Will Richardson said of Ward. The junior right-hander got the start and threw five shutout innings as the Indians rolled to 7-0 victory over Southern.
Three pitchers combined to allow only two hits on the way to an eighth-straight district title. Tielor Howie was 2-for-5 and scored twice, while Eli Halloran was 2-for-3 with an RBI and a walk. Both teams advance to next week’s 11th Region Tournament.
Ward had a 4-1 record in a team-high 31 2/3 innings during the regular season, with a 2. 43 ERA. The junior allowed two of the first three batters of the game to reach on Thursday, but bounced back to get out of the inning without allowing a run.
“I have confidence in my defense. I have confidence in myself and my team,” Ward said. “I didn’t feel like I would struggle.