Greene Central Secures Undefeated Conference Season on Senior Night
On an electrifying Senior Night at Greene Central, the Rams clinched a nail-biting 5-3 victory over Farmville Central, solidifying their status as the number one team in 2A East and extending their perfect record to an impressive 20-0 overall and 12-0 in conference play. The win not only showcased the team’s depth and resilience but also marked a memorable send-off for the six seniors celebrated that evening: Braden Burress, Austin Hardy, Noah Uzzell, Brady Anderson, Cam Taylor, and Jordan Scott.
The game unfolded with high tension and no scores until the bottom of the third inning when sophomore Riley Radford sparked the Rams' offense. Radford's crucial two-RBI hit sent Braden Burress and Mason Dillon home, breaking the deadlock. Shortly thereafter, senior Cam Taylor capitalized on the momentum, driving in Radford to push the lead to 3-0.
However, the Jaguars of Farmville Central were not ready to fold. Led by a stellar performance from Alex Moye, who went 3-for-4 at the plate, the Jaguars rallied in the top of the fifth, scoring three runs to tie the game. The atmosphere intensified as Greene Central regrouped, determined to reclaim their lead.
In a fitting turn for the Senior Night narrative, the decisive moment came from the Rams’ seasoned players. Rams Junior Elijah Monroe started the rally with a single, then senior Brady Anderson did his job by reaching first on a fielder's choice, senior Jordan Scott played his part by a line drive up the middle. It was then up to senior Braden Burress, who delivered a crucial two-RBI double that scored Scott and Anderson, putting the Rams ahead 5-3—a lead they would maintain until the final out.
Senior pitcher Braden Burress, who not only contributed with his bat but also on the mound, threw a complete game, allowing three earned runs and striking out eight batters. His performance earned him his eighth win of the season, improving his impressive record to 22-3 in a Rams jersey.
Reflecting on the team’s performance, the coach highlighted the determination at the plate: "I thought we battled well at the plate, something we've been working on in practice, just battling, not giving in at bat. I thought we did that well," he said.
Brann also expressed immense pride in how the seniors stepped up, particularly in the crucial moments: "I am extremely proud of the seniors. Jordan getting on in the last inning, Brady making something happen getting on base, and Braden knocking them in. I don’t think I could plan a better way for the seniors to go out in their last conference game."
As the Rams prepare for their final game of the regular season against non-conference opponent Croatan next Wednesday, there is a collective sense of anticipation and readiness. The coach underscored the mental aspect of their preparation: "Yeah, I think most of it [needing improvement] is mental. When Farmville came back in the fifth inning, we got a little timid, and there is no reason for the Rams to get timid; we were 19-0 before this game, and 19-0 for a reason. We are a good baseball team; no reason to get timid because someone scores a couple of runs."
The Rams will learn their first-round opponent when the playoff brackets are released on May 6th. With a perfect conference record and the invaluable experience of their senior leaders, Greene Central looks poised for a deep run in the postseason, aiming to continue their undefeated streak and capture a state championship.
The Magnificent Six on Senior Night and wearing the Rams jersey:
Cameron Taylor:
It means a lot to put on a Rams jersey and play for this team. Also to play for the whole community and put on for the community.
Noah Uzzell:
It means a lot to me. I am not going to be able to wear it (Rams Jersey) after this season.
Jordan Scott:
Being a Ram means everything to me. I just want to thank God for the opportunity.
Brady Anderson:
It means a lot. There is a lot of history at this place, a lot of history in this progam. It means a lot to me.
Braden Burress:
It means alot. A lot of our parents grew up in this school and just putting this jersey on for one of the last times, it sucks but all good things have to come to an end.
Austin Hardy:
It feels great. I won’t be able to wear it no more after this season but there is a lot of history in our baseball program and I am just glad i have been able to wear it and play for them.
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