Oxford, IN -- Friday, May 9th The North Montgomery Chargers struck early, plating a run in the top of the first inning on an RBI single by Aiden Ambriz-Cruz. Benton Central responded in the bottom half when Tanner Pitstick singled to tie the game at 1-1. The Chargers broke the game open in the top of the third, scoring six runs on five hits, aided by a costly Bison error that allowed two runs to score. They extended their lead further in the fifth inning with another six-run outburst. Crew Cole, Cade Cole, Cayden Keller, and Keaton Brown all drove in runs during the frame, and another Bison error contributed to the scoring. North Montgomery’s Cole earned the win, pitching five solid innings, allowing seven hits and two runs while striking out four and walking none. Benton Central’s Mason Schutter took the loss, throwing four innings and allowing nine runs—only one earned—on eight hits, striking out six and walking three. Offensively, Pitstick and Caden Kawlewski led the Bison with two hits apiece. Carter Fox and Pitstick each tallied an RBI. North Montgomery finished with 11 hits. Ambriz-Cruz led the way, going 3-for-3. Jack Warren added two RBIs, while the Chargers also received multi-hit performances from Cade Cole, Crew Cole, and Keller. The Chargers were aggressive on the base paths, stealing four bases, and played flawless defense with no errors and one double play. Lincoln Heide led the team with five defensive chances. The Benton Central Varsity Bison return to action at home on Saturday against the 2025 Kankakee Valley Kougars.