Newberry High Dominates Eastside High in Shutout 

By: Dylan Pierce and Liana Handler

In the first game of the season, Newberry won decisively against Eastside 8 – 0. While a strong first inning set the tone of the game, Newberry’s pitching and ability to put runners in scoring position allowed them to add to their lead while keeping Eastside’s offense largely quiet.

A Quick Start

Eastside seemed to get their bats hot early as they started off with a leadoff single from Pitcher Miles Archer. However, that would be all Eastside would do for a while. On the other hand, Newberry would start the game off on a blazing start, scoring five runs in the first inning and leaving Eastside looking for answers on the mound. The second inning was almost as dominant as the first, but Newberry couldn’t find a way to bring runners home as they stranded two players, moving their lead to 6-0.

1-2-3 Innings

Eastside couldn’t seem to handle Landon Gruenwald, as he silenced the Rams with a minimum of nine strike-outs with some help from the bullpen. A disputed call in the top of the fourth about Nick Eichel stepping out of the box, allowed Newberry to get an easy strike out to the disgruntlement to the Eastside bench.

Batter steps out to call time but ump allows pitcher to continue. Eastside strikes out looking to end the top of the 4th. 8-0 Newberry.

— Liana Handler (@HandlerLiana) February 22, 2023

Moving Runners Over

Starting in the bottom of the 2nd, Newberry’s players focused on putting runners in scoring positions. Assisted by a few balks by Eastside’s Miles Archer, Newberry’s players utilized the double steal. While some were unsuccessful, it didn’t dissuade them from continuing to try. With players on base, RBI doubles brought the runners in. Similarly, Newberry gained an advantage as Eastside’s outfielders seemed to struggle with finding the ball in the lights. As balls drops in the grass, Newberry’s players coasted between bases without much worry about being thrown out.

Eastside will face Gainesville High on Feb. 28, while Newberry hopes to continue their winning streak against Dixie County High on Feb. 24.