.png){kind=small}
Newts off to their best start since 2010
UNION MILLS - The New Carlisle Newts (9-0) continued their early season hot streak on Sunday afternoon, sweeping the Union Mills Goon Squad (1-8) at Helmet Head Field, 7-3, 20-9, and 17-3.
The long road trip didn't phase the Newts, as Garrett Curless and Scott Soos started the day with back-to-back singles. After a Matt Soos single to load the bases, Koby Keck drove in the first two runs of the game with another base hit to right field.
Scott Soos homered in the second, but the Newts were quiet until the fifth inning. Curless led off the inning with a solo shot, while Garrett Ruiz hit a two-run blast to put New Carlisle up, 6-1.
Ruiz hit another bomb in the sixth, giving Aidan Cotter plenty of cushion to close out his third complete game victory of the season. The Goon Squad was able to score a pair of runs in the final frame to make it a 7-3 score.
In the second game, the Newts jumped out to a 5-0 lead before the Goon Squad came alive with three runs each in the second and third innings to take a 6-5 lead.
However, New Carlisle exploded for 15 runs over the final three innings to give Keck all the run support he needed for another win on the mound. Curless led the way with three home runs in the game, while Cotter, Ruiz and both Soos brothers had two each.
In the getaway game, Curless got it done at the plate and on the mound. The left-hander allowed just three runs in a complete game effort. He also launched four more home runs, bringing his career total to 350 and surpassing Tony Koch for second place (behind teammate Scott Soos) on the all-time list.
Cotter and Scott Soos each hit a pair of dingers, and Ruiz homered yet again to complete a 13-for-20 day.
Sean Touhey went two for four in the final game and added to his defensive highlight reel behind the plate all series.
Sunday marked the first time the Newts have swept the first three series of the season since 2010.
Next up for New Carlisle is a visit from arch-rival Rolling Prairie on Saturday, June 20 at Migley Field. First pitch is slated for 6:30pm ET.
