Newton built an early lead and never let WSS back into the game Tuesday, defeating the Hatchets 7-2 at Jasper County Boys and Girls Park. Quincy Fulton led the way offensively for the Eagles, going 3-for-4 with two runs scored and an RBI as Newton improved behind a balanced effort at the plate and on the mound.
The Eagles wasted no time getting started, scoring once in the first inning before adding two more in the second for a quick 3-0 advantage. Newton added two runs in the fifth and two more in the sixth to stay comfortably in control. WSS scored its only runs in the fifth inning, but the Eagles answered the threat and closed out the final two frames to secure the win.
Fulton set the tone from the top of the lineup with three singles, while Carson Barthelme was nearly impossible to retire, finishing 3-for-3 and reaching safely each time he came to the plate. David Ferguson added a double and drove in two runs, Reed Tharp knocked in two runs on a pair of sacrifice flies, and Mason Horner chipped in an RBI. Dalton Baltzell also scored twice for Newton.
On the mound, Drake Wolf earned the win after working five innings. He allowed four hits and two runs while walking one and striking out one. Barthelme came on in relief and shut the door over the final two innings, allowing no runs and striking out two to finish off the save effort for the Eagles.
WSS finished with eight hits, led by Wyatt Wetherell and Noah Pruemer with two hits each. Wetherell drove in both Hatchet runs. But Newton’s combination of timely hitting, solid pitching, and steady control of the game proved too much to overcome.
Newton finished with nine hits and committed one error, while WSS had two errors in the field.
Newton 7, WSS 2
WSS 0 0 0 0 2 0 0 — 2 8 2
Newton 1 2 0 0 2 2 X — 7 9 1
Newton leaders:
Quincy Fulton 3-for-4, 2 runs, RBI
Carson Barthelme 3-for-3
David Ferguson 1-for-3, 2 RBI, double
Dalton Baltzell 1 hit, 2 runs
Reed Tharp 2 RBI
Mason Horner 1-for-3, RBI
Pitching:
Drake Wolf (W) — 5.0 IP, 4 H, 2 R, 1 BB, 1 K
Carson Barthelme — 2.0 IP, 4 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 2 K
