Centennial ran into a good team in its first round of postseason play May 2.
The Broncos drew Douglas County West and lost 19-5.
“They play high-quality baseball and beat some good teams,” Coach Michael Hoppes said.
The Broncos drew first blood, scoring a run in the top of the first inning, but the Falcons scored five in the bottom of the first and nine more in the second to put the game out of reach.
After the second inning, Hoppes said the team could have quit.
“Nobody would’ve blamed them if they’d rolled over,” he said. “That’s the fun part about this group – I don’t get that from them.”
CHS didn’t stop battling, putting up four runs in the third to cut the lead to 14-5.
Hoppes said the DCW pitcher threw hard, which is not something the Broncos see a lot during the season. However, the hitters adjusted well and got to him in the third.
Bryson Hornbacher got the start for Centennial, and DCW tagged him for 12 runs, 10 of them earned, in just over one inning. Ayden Konken and Devin Slawnyk pitched in relief.
CHS finished with four hits, a double by Slawnyk and singles by Hornbacher, Konken and Cael Payne.
Despite the 2-13 record, Hoppes said he hopes the athletes remember they are not defined by the scoreboard.
“I hope it helps them see where their true identity can be found,” he said.
Centennial finished its regular season April 29 with a 16-2 loss to Louisville. CHS had three hits in the game, including a two-run home run by Slawnyk.
CHS will graduate four seniors – Bryson Hornbacher, Jack Wellman, Riley Grant and Trayton Stewart.
