Newsome scores two in seventh to top Crest

Newsome senior Luke Peterson drove a double into left field to drive in two runs in the seventh inning, as three Wolves pitchers cruised in a late comeback win.

By Brandon Wright, Features Writer

DOVER – Ryan Spitzer stood tall on the mound to start the bottom of seventh with the game on the line. Leading by one, the Newsome junior locked eyes with Strawberry Crest’s Alex Philpott. In their previous meeting, things didn’t go so well for Spitzer.

“Last year he took me yard, which ended the game with them winning,” he said. “So, as soon as I struck him out, I just didn’t want to let them breathe.”

Newsome righty Ryan Spitzer struck out four in his 1 2/3 innings of relief, earning the win and scoring the winning run.

Spitzer closed out the win on the mound a half-inning after scoring game-winning run on Luke Peterson’s double as visiting Newsome knocked off Strawberry Crest in each team’s Saladino Tournament opening game.

“It was a battle,” Peterson said. “Neither team wanted to give in.”

For our full photo gallery from this game, click here.

Offense was certainly at a premium. The teams’ managed just six total hits and Crest’s lone run came on an error. Both teams struck out nine times apiece.

“You have to credit Newsome,” Crest coach Eric Beattie said. “All three of their pitchers threw great and Newsome managed the game very well.”

Strawberry Crest junior Akhil Nimmala had a double in the sixth inning, but the Chargers were unable to extend the one-run lead held at the time.

Wolves’ coach Dick Rohrberg was equally as complimentary of Strawberry Crest starter Zach Redner, who gave up just two hits and struck out eight through 6 2/3 innings.

“He was fantastic,” Rohrberg said. “Looked really sharp.”

Strawberry Crest senior Zach Redner pitched 6 2/3 innings, but took the loss as the
Wolves rallied in the final inning.

And after punching out the first two batters of the seventh and nursing a 1-0 lead, Redner looked to be well in command before surrendering a single and a walk, before a wild pitch moved the runners and the Chargers decided to try and setup the force with an intentional walk to load the bases. Redner then went 2-0 on Peterson before Beattie called to the bullpen.

“Zach did his job and threw more than well enough to keep his team in it,” Beattie said. “But we saw some signs of fatigue. We needed a strike thrower and Brayden DiCerb has been at over a 70 percent (strike) rate.”

Newsome’s Luke Peterson hypes up his dugout after his seventh-inning two-run double gave the Wolves the lead.

Entering with a two-ball count, DiCerb eventually left a fastball up to Peterson, who turned on the 1-0 pitch and sent it into the left field corner to score a pair.

“I took a pitch, saw his arm slot and saw his fastball,” Peterson said. “I knew if I got one I could handle I would let it rip. I just kept my hands inside the ball.”

Starting pitcher Wade Walton tossed three perfect innings with five strikeouts.

Meanwhile, Newsome’s (3-3) pitchers held the Chargers in check. Wade Walton didn’t give up a hit through three complete, Brady Carroll allowed a single hit, working seven batters and Spitzer closed the door, fanning four – including the side in order in the seventh.

“We didn’t want to show them the same pitcher twice,” Rohrberg said. “We figured if we did it this way, we’d have everybody ready for next week. All three did a great job.”

Newsome junior catcher Braden Moon waits at the plate to tag out Reuben Vasquez, who was trying to steal home in the fifth. 

The Chargers (5-3) lone run came in the bottom of the sixth. Arjun Nimmala drove one deep off the base of the left-centerfield fence and while cruising in for a double, the throw from the outfield was mishandled by second baseman Nick Balasko. Nimmala took off for third and Balasko’s throw to third was errant, allowing the Crest shortstop to score the Chargers’ only run.

Chargers head coach Eric Beattie sends senior Arjun Nimmala home in the sixth for Crest’s only run of the game. 

Newsome returns to Saladino action Monday at 4 pm against Steinbrenner (at Strawberry Crest) and the host Chargers face Bloomingdale at 7pm.

Wolves junior Ryan Spitzer celebrates his game-ending punch out.

Newsome 2, Strawberry Crest 1

N 000|000|2 – |2|3|4
S 000|001|0 – |1|3|0
W – Spitzer; L – Redner
2B – Peterson (N); Ar. Nimmala, Ak. Nimmala (S). Records – N (3-3); S (5-3).

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