EFFINGHAM — Newton’s Varsity Eagles used a combination of timely hitting and solid pitching to earn a 4-3 win over Effingham on Monday.
Effingham struck first, plating a run in the opening inning and adding another in the second to take an early 2-1 lead. Newton answered immediately in the bottom of the first, scoring twice to grab a 2-1 advantage before the Hearts tied things again in the second.
After a quiet stretch through the middle innings, Newton delivered the decisive blow in the fifth. The Eagles pushed across two runs, highlighted by a sacrifice fly from David Ferguson and capitalizing on an Effingham miscue to take a 4-2 lead.
Effingham made one final push in the seventh when Jude Traub launched a solo home run to left field, but Newton held firm to close out the one-run victory.
Carson Barthelme earned the win in relief, delivering a strong outing by allowing just one hit and one run over 3.2 innings while striking out five. Drake Wolf started on the mound for Newton, going 3.1 innings and giving up two runs on three hits while striking out two.
At the plate, Reed Tharp led Newton with a perfect 3-for-3 performance and an RBI. Quincy Fulton continued his strong start to the season, going 2-for-3 with two runs scored and two stolen bases. Drake Wolf added a hit and an RBI, while Dominic Baltzell contributed a hit as well.
Effingham was led offensively by Brayden Tucker, who went 2-for-3 with an RBI and a double. Carter Braddy and Jude Traub each added hits, with Traub driving in a run and hitting the late home run. Effingham also put pressure on the bases, swiping multiple bags throughout the game.
Newton improves with the win and will travel to face Oblong in its next contest.
Stat Box
Newton Varsity Eagles
Runs: 4
Hits: 7
Errors: 3
Effingham
Runs: 3
Hits: 4
Errors: 1
Newton Batting
Reed Tharp — 3-3, RBI
Quincy Fulton — 2-3, 2 R, 2 SB, 2B
Drake Wolf — 1-3, RBI, SB
Dominic Baltzell — 1-3
David Ferguson — RBI (SF)
Effingham Batting
Brayden Tucker — 2-3, RBI, 2B
Jude Traub — 1-3, HR, RBI
Carter Braddy — 1-4
Aiden Wagoner — 1 R
Newton Pitching
Drake Wolf — 3.1 IP, 3 H, 2 R, 2 BB, 2 K
Carson Barthelme (W) — 3.2 IP, 1 H, 1 R, 0 BB, 5 K
Effingham Pitching
Max Flack (L) — 4.2 IP, 6 H, 4 R (3 ER), 1 BB, 7 K
