The Homer-Center baseball team returned to the Heritage Conference Championship game for the first time since 2018 on May 13th. The annual championship game is hosted at First Commonwealth Bank Field in Homer City each year.
The Wildcats faced off against Heritage Conference newcomer Conemaugh Township (Indians), who is actually part of District V. The game started as a pitchers duel, with Homer-Center scoring the games only run through the first 3 innings. A series of hits and errors allowed the Wildcats to extend their lead to 4-1 before the Indians were able to take advantage of an error, and a fly ball that was lost in the lights, and close the gap to 4-3.However, as they had done all night, the Wildcats put the ball in play on several occassions, taking advantage of more errors, and extra base hits that would eventually lead to a 9-3 victory.
Caleb Palmer went six strong innings and got the win. Owen Saiani pitched the final frame. The Wildcats, overall, got strong defensive plays all night from third baseman Braden Dunn, and shortstop Owen Saiani, as well as a show stopping diving catch early in the game by center fielder Nash Budner.
Both teams will begin their respective district playoff games this week. The Wildcats will host Northern Cambria on Friday at a time to be determined. All tickets must be purchased online. A link will be shared and posted later this week.