TOWNSEND — After a tough opening to the season, the Butte Central Maroons didn’t just respond… they made a statement.
Central erupted for 18 runs on 10 hits and dominated from the mound in an 18-1 run-rule victory over Broadwater on Thursday, flipping the page and moving to 1-1 in emphatic fashion.
The Maroons wasted no time getting going. Gunnar O’Brien got things started in the first with a double that led to the game’s opening run. Broadwater answered in the bottom half, but that was about the only noise the Bulldogs would make all afternoon.
From there, it was all Central.
The Maroons broke it open in the second, hanging five runs on the board. Colt Hassler delivered one of the biggest swings of the inning with a two-RBI double, giving Central full control early.
Then came the avalanche.
Central added five more runs in the fourth, capitalizing on walks, hit batters, and aggressive base running. Hugh O’Brien came through with a two-run single, while Kelton Berger added an RBI after being hit by a pitch as the Maroons kept applying pressure.
They weren’t done.
A seven-run fifth inning slammed the door shut. Marcus Ballan and Kendric McCarthy each drove in runs, Trapper Stajcar ripped a triple, and multiple Broadwater miscues turned into runs as Central turned a solid lead into a blowout.
On the mound, Gunnar O’Brien was in command. The right-hander went five innings, allowing just three hits and one run while striking out eight and walking one. Efficient, composed, and in control — exactly what the Maroons needed.
At the plate, Central got production up and down the lineup.
Beau McGree and O’Brien each collected two hits, setting the tone offensively. Connor Kachmarik led the way with three RBIs, while the Maroons stayed aggressive on the bases, swiping seven bags and constantly putting pressure on the defense.
This was the response you look for early in a season.
Clean baseball, timely hitting, dominant pitching — and maybe most importantly, energy.
The Maroons didn’t just bounce back.
They showed what they’re capable of.
