TIGERS TURN OUT THE FLASHES

NEWTON FALLS, OH- Monday’s showdown at City Park ended in heartbreak for the Champion Flashes, who let a late lead slip to fall 8-6 to Newton Falls. The game was deadlocked at six runs apiece until a costly error in the bottom of the sixth allowed Newton Falls to sneak in two runs.

Newton Falls struck first in the opening frame, with Roscoe knocking a single to bring in a run. The Flashes bounced back in the second as Marky Nolan and Zack Morris each delivered RBI singles to grab a 2-1 lead. But Newton Falls wasn’t down for long—they erupted in the bottom half, with Huff tripling to drive in three runs and Powell grounding out to bring in another, pushing ahead 5-2.

The Flashes rallied back in the third, tying things up thanks to Bradey Quinby’s sac fly and a single from Carter Boggs. Newton Falls edged ahead again in the fourth, capitalizing on another Champion error to take a 6-5 lead. Carter Chapin’s single in the fifth pulled Champion even once more.

Gazda clinched the win for Newton Falls, pitching four and two-thirds innings, giving up six runs (two earned) while striking out four. Carson Fife shouldered the loss for Champion, despite racking up eight strikeouts over five innings.

At the plate, Quinby, Boggs, Morris, Nolan, and Chapin each contributed an RBI for Champion. Dylan Howell led the charge with two hits. The Flashes were aggressive on the bases, swiping ten bags, with Nolan, Shane Hixson, and Fife each nabbing multiple.

For Newton Falls, Huff’s three RBIs off a 1-for-3 performance were crucial, while Vargo and Kendall kept the pressure on with hits and walks. Vargo also snagged a couple of bases, adding to the team’s dynamic play.

The Flashes are gearing up for a rematch with Newton Falls tomorrow, aiming to close out their season series on a high note.