Baseball Recap: Newton Comes Up Short

Newton extended their losing streak to 13 on Thursday, dropping them down to 3-18. They lost 17-6 to the Sebastopol Bobcats. The home team had taken home the W every time these teams have met since April 18, 2017, but that streak is no more.

As for Sebastopol, they are on a roll lately: they've won seven of their last nine games. That's provided a nice bump to their 11-10 record this season. Considering they have won eight matchups by more than six runs this season, Thursday's blowout was nothing new.

For Sebastopol's part, Ike Strickland and Colt Reed made a splash no matter where they played. Throwing, Strickland tossed three innings while giving up no earned runs or hits. Meanwhile, Reed pitched one inning while giving up no earned runs or hits. Strickland also tossed no earned runs, which is notable because Sebastopol is 3-1 when he allows at most three earned runs, but 8-9 otherwise. At bat, Strickland got on base in four of his six plate appearances with three runs and one double, while Reed went 1-for-3 with three RBI, one triple, and one run. Those three RBI gave Reed a new career-high.

In other batting news, Sebastopol let Colt Commer and Colby Dooley run wild. Commer went a perfect 5-for-5 with three RBI and two runs, while Dooley got on base in four of his six plate appearances with two runs, one triple, and two RBI. Commer has become a key player for Sebastopol: the team is undefeated when he posts at least two runs, but 8-10 otherwise. Another player making a difference was Wesley Hogue, who went 2-for-5 with two runs, one stolen base, and two RBI.

Both teams are looking forward to the support of their home crowds in their upcoming games. Newton will host Heidelberg at 7:00 p.m. on Monday. The Oilers have struggled to contain batters this season (they've allowed 14 runs per game on average), something the Tigers will no doubt try to take advantage of. As for Sebastopol, they will face off against Noxapater at 7:00 p.m. on Friday. The Bobcats' pitchers better be ready for this one: the Tigers have averaged an impressive 10 runs per game this season.