July 14, 2015 - On Monday, July 13 Center headed to the final round of the Dixie League State Tournament after a 3-1 win-loss performance.
Center started their 11-12 year old Dixie League State Tournament play last Saturday with an 11-0 win over Cold Springs which saw Center pitchers Garry Smith and Jase Bird combine for a no-hit performance. Bird struck out the side in the fifth and final inning to enforce the ten-run-rule and end the game.
Center won their next game over Tyler on Saturday, but lost to Huntington on Sunday but later came from behind win over Palestine to avoid elimination. Center entered the finals against Huntington, on Monday needing to win two games as opposed to just one game needed by the undefeated Huntington team.
Huntington gained a 2-1 lead over Center by the end of the first inning. Neither team was able to score in the second frame. Huntington was able to extend their lead to 4-1 in the the third inning. Huntington then proved to be too much and took control of the tournament by going up 8-1 after a three run homer with no outs in the top of the fourth inning and then they added four more runs on three hits to go up 12-1 before Center was able to retire the side.
The next three Center batters were able to put the bat on the ball in the bottom of fourth inning but Huntington was able to retire the side in 1-2-3 fashion by getting outs on two grounders and a pop up in the infield.
Huntington advanced on to be this year's state champion while the Center team claimed the state runner-up title. Huntington was also named as this year's Sportsmanship Team this season as well.
The Center team and Coaches Robby Dubea, Kevin Jones and Jason Snider have a lot to be proud of this season as well as having a lot to look forward to next season as a majority of their team will be 12 year olds and will return next season.
Center 12U Dixie Major Pre-Championship Game Photos - Album
