Relief Pitching Guides Bobcats to Pivotal Win

SAN ANGELO, TX-- The Central Bobcats got out to an early lead over the Harker Heights Knights in what would be a 13-8 victory at home on Friday night.

“The biggest thing that stands out is [our] perseverance,” said Central Bobcats Head Coach Patrick Penry. “To be able to stand in there battle the weather, battle the wind, and battle some mistakes as far as poor play and just being able to refocus. Realizing we play seven innings, there’s three strikes, there’s three outs and the guys just adapted and overcame it.”

Harker Heights came out hot scoring three runs in the top of the first, but Central had a big second inning to counteract the Knights.

The Bobcats put up seven runs to give them an early four run lead after two innings. The Bobcats scored on a walk by Ryan Ramon, a single by Trey Neslage, a walk by Blake Mikeska, a walk by Rance Rosas, a walk by Nixon Brannan, and a single by Oscar Nino brought in two runs.

Harker Heights came back strong in the third inning with three runs of their own on a walk by Zach Elizondo, a fielder's choice by Kaven Jones, and an error on a ball put in play by Zane Wallace.

Central pulled away for good with four runs in the sixth inning to seal the game for the Bobcats.

Although Harker Heights came out with the loss they managed to collect six hits in route to scoring eight runs. Central just had a better day at the play recording 13 hits and 13 runs.

Brannan, Mikeska, Ramon, and Limon each collected two hits to lead San Angelo Central Bobcats Varsity. Mikeska, Rosas, and Nino each recorded two RBI’s as well.

Jonathon Limon led things off on the mound for Central and allowed two hits and three runs over one-third of an inning. He was relieved by Trey Neslage who allowed five runs on four hits over five and a third innings, while striking out five.

Neslage would earn the victory on the night and was relieved by Micheal Cruz who threw one and one-third innings to earn the save for Central.

In terms of pitching Coach Penry stated, “I thought Trey came in pitched great. I thought Mikey Cruz came in and earned a great save. Just shut the door.”

Spencer Young allowed four hits and seven runs over one and two-thirds innings, while striking out three in a losing effort for Harker Heights. Brandon Kluna came in as relief for the Knights and allowed six runs on six hits in three innings on the hill.

Coach Penry commended his teams effort stating “When you talk and look at it, its great team effort and everybody has been ready whether they are a role player, on the bench or in the game. It’s a team for a reason and these guys are truly a team.”

Central (12-18, 7-5) will face Killeen Shoemaker next week in a series that starts on Tuesday, April 24, at home at 4:30 p.m.  With a win in the series, the Bobcats will clinch a playoff berth.