Early runs support 10K pitching of Martin, Newlands to give EC freshman DH split

PEACHTREE CITY-Dekel Williams scored three runs while Ben Briskey and Austin Black each had two hits as the East Coweta Indians defeated the McIntosh Chiefs 6-3 and gained a sweep in a freshman doubleheader played Thursday evening.
The Indians, now 13-5, dropped the opener 9-2 as the Chiefs took advantage of defensive miscues in the bottom of the fourth inning by scoring seven runs.
The Chiefs scored single runs in the first and second innings to take an early lead of the opener, but the Indians tied the game in the top of the third inning.

Dekel Williams looks into the EC dugout after a first
inning steal in the first game of the doubleheader as
teammate Kaleb Carey looks on.

Craig Newlands singled and starting pitcher Trey Jones walked before Briskey singled to load the bases and Black brought them home with a game tying single.
However, three errors and a pair of two run doubles allowed the Chiefs to regain a lead they didn't give back.
In the nightcap, the Indians came out scoring in the top of the first inning as Williams walked and came home on a double by Mason Pearcy who eventually scored on one out single to left by Black.
After a fielder's choice and a walk to Charlie Paige, a pitching change was made by the Chiefs and the final out was recorded as Jacob Medina hit a ball off the pitcher that was fielded by the McIntosh shortstop.
In the top of second inning, EC added to the lead as Williams reached on an infield single and Pearcy reached on an infield error after one out in the frame.
A wild pitch allowed Williams to score and Pearcy to advance into scoring position before coming home on a single to right by Briskey.

Andrew Martin looks in for sign during his two and one-third
inning stint in game two. Martin held the Chiefs hitless while
recording four strikeouts.

The Indians need a little two out magic in the top of the third to add to the lead as Paige reached on an infield error, stole second and came home on a single by Medina who was tagged out on his way to second.
The 5-0 margin seemed enough for starting pitcher Andrew Martin who breezed through the first two innings with three strikeouts and retiring the first batter of the third on a strikeout.

Craig Newlands was involved in both games as he had two
hits and a run in the opener while recording six strikeouts
in the nightcap.

However, he would be lifted after reaching a pitch count with an 1-2 count on a batter and Newlands would take over to get the "shared" strikeout with one pitch before getting the next out on a strikeout.
In the top of the fourth inning, the Indians scored their final run of the game as Williams reached on a one out walk and stole two bases before scoring on a two out single by Briskey.
The Chiefs came back in the bottom of the fourth inning as Newlands allowed a pair of singles to open the frame and walked a pair of batters that led to the first McIntosh run of the game before the first out.
A hit batter led to second run and after a strikeout, the Chiefs scored their final run of the game on a walk before Newlands recovered to get the third out via the strikeout route.
In the bottom of the fifth, Newlands retired the first two batters with his sixth strikeout and a groundout to Pearcy at shortstop before allowing a pair of singles that brought the tying run to the plate.
However, Newlands made quick work of the batter to end the game as he caught a line drive hit back to the mound.
The Indians' freshman will close their season Saturday at Northgate in a doubleheader with the Vikings.