The Newton County Cougars opened division play this past week with Florence in a spirited two-game series with the Eagles.
Newton County led in the first game but the Eagles scored four runs late to take a 7-6 win on Friday. Newton County returned the favor and overcame a 3-0 deficit to take a 5-3 win on Saturday and split the series.
Newton County will return to play on Tuesday as they continue in district play as they host Richland on Tuesday and make the return trip on Thursday. On Friday, Newton County will travel to Lake to take on the Hornets in a 1 p.m. contest.
Florence 7, County 6
The Eagles scored four runs in the last two innings to take a one-run win over the Cougars on Friday.
Newton County opened with three runs in the first inning before Florence answered with two runs in the second and one in the third to tie the score. The Cougars took the lead back with three runs in the fourth inning to take a 6-3 lead. But Florence answered with two runs in the sixth and seventh inning to take the win.
Florence outhit Newton County 9-6 in the contest. Tyson Wood was 2-for-4 with a double while Hayze West doubled and drove in four runs. Braxton May also doubled and drove in a run. Riley Cain and Gage Hollingsworth each singled and scored a run.
David Burton started on the mound and picked six innings, giving up five runs on six hits and four walks while striking out 13. Gatlin Huber pitched the final inning and gave up two runs on three hits while striking out two.
County 5, Florence 3
After falling behind early the Cougars rallied in the fourth and fifth innings to take a come-from-behind win over the Eagles on Saturday to split the series.
Florence scored two runs in the first and one in the third to take a 3-0 lead. But Newton County scored two in the fourth and three in the fifth to take the win.
Newton County outhit Florence 11-9 in the contest. David Burton was 2-for-4 with a double and three RBIs while Tyler Cavenaugh and Braxton May were each 2-for-4. Hayze West was 2-for-3 while Tyson Wood, Gage Hollingsworth and Braxton Thoms each singled and scored.
West started and pitched three innings as he gave up three runs on four hits and three walks while striking out four. Marcus Mowdy pitched the final four innings and scattered five hits and a walk while striking out three.
