Braden Firth home run helps power Cougars to bounce back win

Published 10:35 pm Tuesday, March 28, 2023

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Lafayette Christian had nor problem bouncing back from a loss last time out, beating Central 13-6 on Tuesday. 

It was an offensive showcase for both teams with each landing blows in the opening innings of the game. The Cougars struck first in the top of the first inning when Braden Firth uncorked a line drive to left field that cleared the wall and gave the Cougars an early 2-0 advantage. It would not last with Central scoring two runs in the bottom of the first to tie the game. 

The Cougars were undeterred, retaking the lead in the top of the second when Dustin Ogle drove in a run with a sacrifice fly and Cody Batistini grounded out to drive in another to make it 4-2 Lafayette Christian. Once again, Central had an answer, tying the game in the bottom of the second inning with two runs. 

The Cougars really broke the game open with four runs in the top of the fourth inning — all with two outs. Lafayette Christian would not look back from there with Central not able to get back into the game. 

Firth was a monster for the Cougars, going 2-for-4 with three runs scored and four RBIs. David Karvelas put together a good offensive showing as well, going 2-for-5 with three runs scored. Landon Childree was 1-for-2 with two RBIs and three walks. 

Whitt Bowden, Noah Childree and Ayden Thornton all had a hit apiece in the game. 

Paul Batistini got the start on the mound and went 3 1/3 innings, striking out six while allowing four hits and four earned runs. Bowden and Dalton Colquett got relief work off the bench, allowing just one hits and one earned run combined while striking out two batters each. 

Lafayette Christian is now 9-3 on the season.