The Central Dragons outslug the Hollidaysburg Golden Tigers in a high-scoring thriller

HOLLIDAYSBURG, Pa. — The No. 42 Central Dragons, led by Kyle Klotz and Josh Beltz, took the trip to No. 69 Hollidaysburg. They scored 17 runs on the way to a 17-6 win over the Golden Tigers in a huge top 70 matchup in the state.

This matchup was intense, from the very start the bats showed up. Central began the game with three runs in the top of the first inning, which Hollidaysburg answered with two of their own in the bottom half of the inning.

The game did not remain close though as the Dragons scored five runs in the second, led by a two-run RBI single by Beltz. This lead to a commanding 8-2 lead and provided their starter, Cortlyn Hetrick, with plenty of run support.

The Hollidaysburg Golden Tigers entered the bottom of the second down by six runs, but were determined to come back.

Golden Tigers’ senior Jay Alberano attempted to lead the comeback as he hit an RBI single to left field to score Ty Szynal, but that was all Hollidaysburg could muster as they ended the second inning down 8-3.

Things began to look better for the Golden Tigers as they held the Dragons scoreless in the third and continued to come back in the bottom half of the inning. Josh Banks hit a two-run single right up the middle to score EJ Ulery and Szynal to make it an 8-5 ballgame.

The Central Dragons offense woke up after this attempted comeback and went go on to score nine unanswered to take a commanding 17-5 lead. Hollidaysburg only scored just one run in the bottom of the sixth. This ended the game pursuant to the PIAA ten run rule giving the Central Dragons an impressive victory over a talented Hollidaysburg Golden Tigers team.

The Central Dragons move to 8-2 and will face Huntingdon on Wednesday.

The Hollidaysburg Golden Tigers take the loss and are now 5-3. They will take the trip to face Richland on Tuesday at 4:30.

Massimo Manfra is a first-year majoring in broadcast journalism. To contact him, email mgm6116@psu.edu.