CHAMPAIGN — Picture this: a perfect spring day with no wind, 70-degree temperatures, and a cloudless sky. Now add in a showdown between two of the area's top baseball teams, and you've got the recipe for an unforgettable afternoon at Spalding Park.
On Thursday, Champaign Central hosted Monticello in what promised to be a classic battle between area giants. The Maroons didn't just win—they dominated, rolling to a comfortable 7-0 victory that sent a clear message with postseason play just two weeks away.
"We were excited to see a good challenge," said Central senior Tre Cole. "We haven't had competition as good as this for a few weeks, so it was good to see them to get us ready for the postseason. Our goals for success are down the road, so it was good to get a win against them and give us some momentum."
And once again, Cole was the star of the show. The senior pitcher was in peak form, striking out 11 batters over 6⅓ innings while allowing just three hits. Sure, he issued five walks and hit a batter, but every time the Sages threatened, Cole found a way to escape the jam and keep the scoreboard clean. He also helped his own cause at the plate with two hits and an RBI.
"He's throwing well," Central coach John Staab said. "You feel good when you pencil him in at pitcher because he's going to give you a chance."
It's been a season of growth for Cole on the mound. Last year, Staab admits it felt like catching lightning in a bottle every time he handed Cole the ball. This season, the senior has become one of the most consistently dominant pitchers in the area—a true ace who brings his best stuff every time out.
"I've just been keeping a solid mindset and always coming out here ready to compete," Cole said. "It doesn't matter who the opponent is, I just try to perform to the best of my ability and stay consistent."
His teammates gave him a two-run cushion right from the start, and that was all the support he needed. In the first inning, Ben McDaniel sparked a two-out rally with a double. Cole followed with a single, stole second, and later scored on a wild pitch while McDaniel crossed the plate for the game's first run.
Then came the play of the day. With Nic Bralts at the plate, Staab called for a first-and-third play to steal a run. Bralts shuffled off first base, intentionally getting caught in a rundown to give Cole time to sprint home. The Maroons executed it flawlessly—a play they practice at least once a week—and suddenly led 2-0.
"Coach gave the sign, I got a good lead, Tre got a good jump and we just got on them quick," Bralts said. "It was a great designed play, and it was huge to get on them early, especially a team like that."
The Maroons (23-6) never looked back, turning a tight early game into a statement win that has them feeling confident as they gear up for the postseason push.