CC offense relies on big sticks and Stone
Another roster makeover didn't deter the Central Catholic baseball program's dreams of a third Class A state championship in a row.
But the Knights knew they had to have a productive leadoff hitter to make a deep tournament run.Nick Stone made an adjustment to his swing and has suddenly become a leadoff hitter who is nearly impossible for pitchers to get out.
In three sectional victories, Stone went 7-for-11, continuing the junior left fielder's late-season hot streak at the plate.Coach Casey Taylor "has done a really good job helping us with our mechanics," Stone said after Monday's sectional championship win over No. 1 Frontier. "The smallest thing can set you off, and he found it and fixed it."Stone said he was guessing at too many pitches, and his arms were in the wrong spot to react quicker to the ball."I can't hit when I guess," he said.No more guessing. A lot more hitting.
Stone's hitting leadoff has helped solidify a Central Catholic team trying to win its fifth state championship and fourth in five seasons."That's your job when you're hitting at the top of the lineup -- get on base," coach Tim Bordenet said. "He's been doing a great job of that."He's also has been a consistent outfielder who plays with reckless abandon.His defense is not overlooked by the CC pitching staff, of which Stone is a part of as well."He is always after everything, always diving," said Austin Munn, who earned a win and a save in Monday's two sectional games. "He is 100 miles an hour all the time."On Saturday, Stone and his CC teammates get a home game against Rockville in a regional semifinal.
Stone is in his first season as a varsity starter. While he has two state championship rings and is undefeated in the postseason, he is ready to be a key component of a team that makes a deep tournament run.His teammates hope are counting on it.His increased productivity also increases theirs. When he gets on base, those behind him in the lineup hope to drive in the speedy Stone."He is on fire right now," Munn said. "He is really helping us being the leadoff and getting on so we have the momentum and go get hits behind him."
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