CHS shows character

Published 11:21 am Wednesday, March 20, 2019

Central High School’s varsity baseball team showed some impressive fight in the course of splitting its first two games of the season, suggesting the Chargers could be in for another outstanding campaign.

In their home opener Thursday, Central pulled away for a 13-1 blowout of Buckingham County High School.

“We hit the ball well today, so that’s been a real plus, how we’ve been hitting the ball, and the team doesn’t quit,” Chargers Head Coach Michael Atkins said. “They play hard, they play together, they like one another.”

Central had to recover from the injury of sophomore Justin Elliott, who turned his ankle during the game.

“Some people had to make some adjustments, defensively, and did a good job,” Atkins said.

The Chargers opened their season March 12 at Goochland High School. They challenged the elite Bulldogs before ultimately falling 15-11.

“We had the opportunity to maybe win the game with some things going our way,” Atkins said. “So I was very pleased and proud about that. That game kind of showed me a little bit more of the character of this team, so it was good to see. I saw a little bit of what I thought we may be made of.”

Rather than go with a potential ace, Atkins pitched the lower half of his rotation, and the boys shined.

“They did a terrific job,” he said.

And again, the Chargers hit the ball well.

After these first two games, “I’m feeling more confident about what we’re capable of doing,” Atkins said.

After visiting Cumberland County High School on Tuesday, Central (1-1) hosts Bluestone High School on Wednesday at 5 p.m.