Newsome advances for first time in school history

Newsome 8, Riverview 1

By BRANDON WRIGHT
Published March 22, 2007

BRANDON - Newsome moved into uncharted territory with its win against Riverview, advancing to the Saladino semifinals for the first time in school history.

"This is our first time we've made it this far," coach Chad Haschel said. "Nobody thought we'd get here, so really we had nothing to lose."

Just appearing in the quarterfinal marked history for the Wolves; they had never made it out of pool play in three tries.

"The guys were real relaxed and loose during (batting practice)," Haschel said. "Maybe a little too loose."

Newsome (11-4) scored four runs in the first inning and two runs each of the next two innings. Six of the first seven Wolves reached base on four singles and a pair of walks to build a 4-0 first-inning cushion. Newsome stole five bases in the first, finishing with eight on the night.

"Our plan is to come into every game aggressive," Haschel said. "We don't want to be reckless, just aggressive."

Newsome starter Kyle Parker (6-1) took care of the rest. The junior lefty scattered six hits - five singles - and struck out five. Parker, who was pitching on three days' rest for the second straight start, mixed a two-seam fastball with a 12-6 curveball.

"I usually get five days' rest and felt a little tight before the game," Parker said. "So I just tried to keep the ball down and not try to blow everyone away."

Ethan Lovell, Ryan Osenton, Kyle Copack and Ryan Swindell each had a pair of hits. Lovell and Osenton had two steals apiece.

Riverview (10-5) starter Kyle Eastham (3-2) had an RBI single in the sixth.

Brandon Wright, Times staff writer

[Last modified March 21, 2007, 23:30:51]