CLARKSVILLE, TN (CLARKSVILLE NOW) – The Montgomery Central Indians hosted the Sycamore War Eagles on Wednesday, April 24, which decided the regular season district champion and the number one seed for the district tournament.
A back-and-forth pitchers dual, led by Gabriel Eddington’s 11 strikeout performance for MCHS, came down to the very last batter where the Indians won the game 3-2. With the victory, the Indians clinched their first district championship in over a decade.
The Indians offense may have not been flashy throughout the night, but they were able to score three runs on three hits, including two runs batted in coming from Evander Powers. Montgomery Central head coach Todd Dunn loved the way his offense fought throughout the night.
“Our hitters battled,” Dunn said. “We made some mistakes and had some bad hits, but we were able to score enough runs. We’ve scored over ten runs a lot this year, but when it comes to important games late in the season, this is the type of game we need to win.”
Sycamore did not go quietly to end the game though. The War Eagles forced Eddington out of the game in the top of the seventh inning, bringing his quality start to an end. However, Montgomery Central freshman reliever Caleb Cilk went on to earn the save as he struck out the lone batter he faced. After the third strike was called, teammates dogpiled Cilk.
“Cilk has been great for us all year,” Dunn told Clarksville Now. “He’s got a 3-0 record on the year with a couple saves, and he’s gotten us out of bases loaded jams. It’s a great blend of senior leaders and young guys.”
As for the story of the night, Eddington ended his outing with a stat line of 6.2 innings pitched, 5 hits allowed, 1 earned run allowed and he struck out 11 batters. As far as coach Dunn is concerned, he’s just glad he’s on his team.
“I try not to brag too much, but I wouldn’t take any player in the Midstate over Gabe,” said Dunn. “He’s batting .426 and has 25 stolen bases, as well as his pitching output. That’s the first time in my career I went out to the mound and a pitcher told me he wanted to stay, and I let him.”
Following the victory, MCHS has three games remaining before they turn their attention to postseason play, where they’ll begin by hosting the district tournament. Here are the Indians upcoming games:
- vs. Dickson County on Thursday, April 25, at 7 p.m.
- @ Northeast High on Friday, April 26, at 6:30 p.m.
- @ Dickson County on Saturday, April 27, at 6:30 p.m.