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Vian Today
By the People, for the People
Central Tigers baseball team opens season 1-1 for new coach
The Tigers split their first two games under new head coach Colby Thompson.
Mar. 18, 2026 at 4:01pm
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The Central Tigers opened the 2026 baseball season with a 10-6 win over Warner in their season opener, followed by an 11-0 loss to Checotah. In the win, the Tigers rallied from a 6-5 deficit in the fourth inning to score three runs in the fifth and two in the seventh for the comeback victory. However, the Tigers were no-hit in the loss to Checotah.
Why it matters
The season-opening split for the Central Tigers showcases the challenges of a new head coach taking over a program, as they look to build momentum and establish an identity early in the year. The team's performance will be closely watched as they aim to improve on last season's results.
The details
In the win over Warner, Kaw-Liga Lewis went 2-for-4 with two doubles, two runs scored and an RBI, while Paitton Merrill was 2-for-4 with two runs scored and an RBI. Tite Cox doubled and drove in a run. Kiefer Bailey, Kaw-Liga Lewis, and Ryker Miller all pitched for the Tigers in the victory. In the loss to Checotah, the Tigers were no-hit by a combination of Mason Rainbolt and Eli Patterson, with Ryker Miller taking the loss on the mound.
- The Tigers won their season opener 10-6 at Warner on March 10.
- The Tigers suffered an 11-0 four-inning, run-ruled loss to the host Checotah Wildcats last Friday afternoon.
The players
Colby Thompson
The new head coach of the Central Tigers baseball team.
Kaw-Liga Lewis
A player for the Central Tigers who went 2-for-4 with two doubles, two runs scored and an RBI in the win over Warner.
Paitton Merrill
A player for the Central Tigers who went 2-for-4 with two runs scored and an RBI in the win over Warner.
Tite Cox
A player for the Central Tigers who doubled and drove in a run in the win over Warner.
Mason Rainbolt
A pitcher for Checotah who no-hit the Central Tigers in their loss.
The takeaway
The Central Tigers' season-opening split showcases the challenges of a new head coach taking over a program, as they look to build momentum and establish an identity early in the year. The team's performance will be closely watched as they aim to improve on last season's results.
