NEWTON — The Newton Eagles did a lot right Monday afternoon—just not enough to come away with a win.
Despite out-hitting Richland County 7-5, the Eagles dropped a narrow 2-1 decision at Jasper County Boys & Girls Park.
Newton had opportunities throughout the game but couldn’t quite find the timely hit, leaving seven runners on base in a contest defined by strong pitching on both sides.
Richland County struck early, pushing across two runs in the top of the first inning. Gavin Root delivered an RBI single, and Owen Cycholl followed with another run-scoring hit to give the Tigers a 2-0 advantage.
From there, Newton’s Carson Barthelme settled in and kept the Eagles within striking distance. The right-hander went the distance, allowing just five hits and two runs while striking out four and walking one.
Newton finally broke through in the sixth inning. Quinn Fulton reached and later scored, while Drake Wolf drove in the Eagles’ lone run with a sacrifice fly to cut the deficit to 2-1.
The Eagles threatened but couldn’t push across the tying run, as Richland County’s Brody Redman worked 6⅓ strong innings, striking out eight without issuing a walk before Root came on to record the save.
At the plate, Jackson James led Newton with two hits, while Fulton, Wolf, Dominic Baltzell, Rhett Tharp, and Dawson Ferguson each added one. Wolf also accounted for the team’s lone RBI.
Defensively, Newton was sharp, committing no errors. Baltzell led the way behind the plate with five defensive plays.
Richland County was paced by Cooper Hires, who collected two hits and scored a run, while Root and Cycholl each drove in a run.
Newton returns to action Tuesday at home against Dieterich.
Box Score
Richland County: 2 runs, 5 hits, 1 error
Newton: 1 run, 7 hits, 0 errors
WP: Brody Redman
LP: Carson Barthelme
SV: Gavin Root
