Wildcats Start Season Strong with Sweep at Smokey Myers Tournament

SIDMAN – The Central Mountain Wildcats opened their 2025 baseball season with a strong showing at the Smokey Myers Tournament on Saturday, picking up wins in both games of a doubleheader against Derry and Forest Hills at Forest Hills High School.

In the opener, Central Mountain battled past the Derry Trojans in a high-scoring affair, earning a 10-8 victory. After being held scoreless in the first inning, the Wildcats put up four runs in the second to grab momentum. They added another run in the fifth before sealing the game with a clutch five-run rally in the top of the seventh. The Wildcats totaled 14 hits in the win despite committing four defensive errors.

Isaiah Maldonado sparked the offense with three hits and an RBI, while Brady Lavelle contributed two hits including a double and was named Player of the Game. Blake Walker delivered the biggest blow of the game, launching a two-run homer as part of his two-hit performance. Malaky Moyd added two hits of his own, while Watt Probst, Nate Wian, and Bryce Brugard each chipped in with a hit. Jase Seltzer also had a multi-hit game with two base knocks.

Pitching duties were split between Gage Laughner, Darius Shade, and Lavelle. Laughner allowed three hits and three runs while striking out three and walking three. Shade gave up three hits and five runs, striking out two and walking three. Lavelle closed out the game, allowing just one hit and striking out one in his brief appearance.

In the second game, the Wildcats faced tournament host Forest Hills and took control early, eventually winning 4-0. The game was called early due to weather conditions, but not before Wildcat pitcher Austin Frank delivered a gem tossing a no-hitter until the game was halted. Frank’s dominant outing earned him Player of the Game honors.

Blake Walker and Isaiah Maldonado were both recognized for their strong performances across the tournament, earning plaques and being named to the All-Tournament Team.

Now sitting at 2-0, the Wildcats look ahead to a busy week on the road, beginning with a matchup at DuBois Area High School on Monday.