Central Catholic Baseball Secures Regional Championship with Late Game Drama

LAFAYETTE – Under the leadership of Tim Bordenet, Central Catholic's baseball team has consistently showcased their knack for postseason excitement during his tenure, which includes twelve appearances in state championship games and nine titles. The latest chapter unfolded on Monday at Loeb Stadium.

After relinquishing a two-run advantage in the seventh inning, highlighted by a game-tying squeeze bunt, the Knights rallied back for a thrilling 3-2 victory against Lapel in the Class 2A regional championship. Isaiah Hopkins set the stage with a pivotal triple in the bottom of the seventh, leading to Gus Sandberg's fly ball that enabled Bordenet to send Hopkins home for the winning run.

This victory propels the Knights (25-6) into the Class 2A north semi-state semifinal, scheduled for Saturday at 11 a.m. against Bluffton (17-10). Cayden Keller, who recorded six strikeouts and allowed five hits, was credited with the win on the mound.

Central Catholic initially took control of the game with an early 2-0 lead, thanks to Alex Schummer's single in the first inning and an RBI single from LJ Whitford in the second. This regional title marks the 18th for Central Catholic in the last 24 tournaments and their third since moving to Class 2A.