BELGRADE — The Belgrade Panthers remain undefeated after beating Butte Central 19-7 in a game shortened to five innings due to the mercy rule. The Panthers remain in a league of their own; they advance to 10-0 on the season with this win.
Diego Casas had the first run of the game for Belgrade by scoring on a wild pitch. The game was tied 3-3 going into the second, but Central took a 7-3 lead in the second as Jake Tauscher scored the first run of the frame.
This is where the momentum changed, highlighted by Brody Jacksha's RBI triple that helped tie the game 7-7 going into the third inning. From there, Belgrade scored eight unanswered runs. Ryas Olson walked, which sent Collin Delph across the plate. Came Ueland and Gideon Green then scored off an base hit from Keenan Kraft.
Casas had another big game for Belgrade, highlighted by an three-run double in the fourth inning.
“It was a close game in the first two innings, and we just needed something to bury them, and we just did that," Casas said. "Just going up there and having an approach, and just think, I want that inside pitch or if it's outside take it up, if it's inside, pull it and just make something happen for my team."
“Just tell my pitcher, throw it in the strike zone," Casas explained. "You got a good defense behind you. Don't try too hard to hit your spot, and just try and throw a strike, and let them hit the ball because we got a good defense."
