Vanguard dropped to 13-3 on Tuesday, ending the team's three-game streak of wins at home. They came up short against the Newberry Panthers, falling 15-0. The pitching woes were uncharacteristic for the Knights, who until this game were averaging 3.38 runs allowed.
Vanguard got a good showing from Issac Dillard-Stiehl, who tossed 2.1 innings while giving up just one earned run off two hits. Dillard-Stiehl has been consistent: he hasn't given up more than one walk in six consecutive appearances.
As for Newberry, the victory was the fifth in a row for them, bringing their record up to 13-5. Considering they have won eight contests by more than five runs this season, Tuesday's blowout was nothing new.
On Newberry's side, Koleby Benson made a splash while hitting and pitching. He looked comfortable on the mound, not allowing a single earned run and allowing only two hits while striking out eight over five innings pitched. Those eight strikeouts gave Benson a new career-high. He was also big at the plate, going 1-for-4 with one home run and three RBI.
In other batting news, Aidan Michaux was incredible, firing off two home runs, six RBI, and three runs while going 3-for-3. Those two home runs gave him a new career-high. Another player making a difference was Tavis Honeycutt, who got on base in three of his four plate appearances with three runs, one stolen base, and two RBI.
Vanguard and Newberry should be looking forward to their upcoming games as both have a sizable advantage in the MaxPreps Florida Rankings. The Knights will face off against Dunnellon at 6:30 p.m. on Friday with a big rank advantage (123 vs. 467). Meanwhile, Newberry (ranked 158th) will meet Santa Fe (ranked 353rd) at 7:00 p.m. on Thursday.
