WATERLOO SETS THE TONE EARLY TO MOVE ON

ATWATER OH- Waterloo jumped out to an early lead over Newton Falls and took home an 8-5 victory on Monday to advance in the sectional tournaments. Waterloo scored on a groundout by Noah Hughes in the first inning, a single by Drew Flarida in the first inning, a single by Aric May in the first inning, and a single by Hughes in the second inning.

Waterloo earned the victory despite allowing Newton Falls to score four runs in the second inning. The offensive onslaught was led by Cameron Huff and Jordan Dowling, each driving in runs in the frame.

The Vikings pulled away for good with two runs in the second inning. In the second Hughes singled on a 0-1 count, scoring two runs.

Hughes took the win for Waterloo. The lefthander went five innings, allowing four runs on seven hits and striking out seven. Mason Sweitzer threw two innings in relief out of the bullpen. Sweitzer recorded the last six outs to earn the save for Waterloo Vikings Varsity.

Trevor Ruscoe took the loss for Newton Falls. Ruscoe lasted one inning, allowing eight hits and six runs while striking out one and walking zero.

Waterloo totaled 13 hits in the game. Luke Simons, May, and Hughes each collected multiple hits. Simons led with four hits in five at bats. Waterloo didn’t commit a single error in the field. Mason Duncan had the most chances in the field with 12.

Dowling went 2-for-4 at the plate to lead Newton Falls in hits.