On March 23, 2012 the Centennial High School Eagles (2011: 9-8, 9-10) boys’ varsity baseball team welcomed the Reservoir High School Gators (2011: 17-0, 21-1, defending County and District V champion) to Centennial for the first baseball game of the 2012 season.

The Eagles asserted their dominance throughout the game, and was highlighted by the tremendous offensive and defensive efforts from right fielder Jerry Burgo and third basemen Jared Lacey. Starting pitcher Ben Goldsmith looked unhittable, throwing six scoreless innings against the aggressive Gator hitters. Goldsmith was ecstatic about his season opening performance. “I felt great. It felt good coming out for the first game of the year. Ben [Ciraolo] called a good game and my teammates did a good job scoring runs for us,” he recalled. Pitcher Garrett Kurtz and the rest of the Eagles squad found themselves stuck in difficult situations in the final inning, such as a bases-loaded comeback attempt. However, Centennial buckled down, fought through adversity, and got the necessary outs to end the game.

The Eagles won 8-3 over the Gators and will play the Long Reach Lightning at Long Reach on Monday, April 26, 2012. Be sure to check back with The Wingspan for video highlights of the Eagles versus Gators game!