Newberry and Dunnellon are an even 5-5 against one another since April of 2019, but likely not for long. A feisty cat fight will be fought as Newberry Panthers face off against Dunnellon Tigers at 7:00 p.m. on Tuesday. Newberry is strutting in with some hitting muscle as they've averaged 6.5 runs per game this season.
Newberry had to skate by with only a one-run margin when they last took the field, which might have inspired the ten-run drubbing they dealt Gainesville on Friday. Newberry was the clear victors by a 15-5 margin over Gainesville. The Panthers haven't had any issues with the Hurricanes recently, as the game was their fourth consecutive victory against them.
Tavis Honeycutt
| 03/07/25 @ Gainesville | 4 |
| 05/02/24 vs Chiefland | 1 |
| 04/19/24 @ Dunnellon | 4 |
Tavis Honeycutt made a splash no matter where he played. He tossed two innings while giving up no earned runs off one hit. What's more, he posted four strikeouts, the most he's had since back in April of 2024. He was also stellar in the batter's box, getting on base in four of his five plate appearances with one home run, three runs, and three RBI. He is becoming a predictor of Newberry's success: when he posts at least one home run the team is undefeated (and 2-3 when he doesn't).
In other pitching news, Rhett Burford looked comfortable as he tossed three innings while giving up just one earned (and two unearned) runs off three hits.
Back at the plate, Brody Joyner and Brantley McCoy did most of the damage at the plate: Joyner scored three runs and stole a base while getting on base in all three of his plate appearances, while McCoy went 2-for-5 with four RBI and one run. That stolen base was Joyner's first of the season. Aiden Michaux was another key player, scoring two runs while going 1-for-3.
Newberry always had someone on base and finished the game having posted an OBP of .548. That's the best OBP they've posted all season.
Meanwhile, Dunnellon came up short against St. Joseph Academy on Friday and fell 11-6.
Dunnellon has also traveled a rocky road recently, having lost seven of their last nine contests. That's put a noticeable dent in their 3-9 record this season. Newberry's record is now 5-3.
Everything went Newberry's way against Dunnellon in their previous meeting two weeks ago, as Newberry made off with an 8-2 win. The rematch might be a little tougher for Newberry since the team won't have the home-field advantage this time around. We'll see if the change in venue makes a difference.
