Cougars tested early, split opening stretch with balanced effort
The Central McLean Cougars baseball team opened the 2026 season with a demanding stretch of five games in four days, gaining valuable experience while posting a 2-2 record in counted contests and showing encouraging signs across the lineup and pitching staff.
Central McLean began its season April 7 on the road against Velva-Drake/Anamoose, dropping the opener 7-3 before bouncing back in game two to salvage a split.
In the opener, the Cougars collected hits throughout the lineup, led by Mason Skachenko, who went 2-for-3, and Dawson Smith and Cooper Kittler, who each drove in a run. Jase Utley and Landon Saueressig also contributed hits.
On the mound, Skachenko struck out six over 2.2 innings but battled control issues, allowing seven runs, four earned.
Ethan Hanson provided a strong relief effort, throwing 3.1 scoreless innings while allowing just three hits and striking out six.
The Cougars responded in their next contest April 9 at Garrison, earning a 6-4 victory behind timely hitting and solid pitching.