Sluggin' Rebels Down Derby in Jayhawk Jamboree

The Newton Sluggin' Rebels welcomed in the season as they took part of the Jayhawk League Jamboree. The Jamboree was meant to be a preseason tournament to showcase the players in the league to the community, but Mother Nature decided otherwise. Newton ended up playing just one game as they took on the Derby Twins (Derby, KS).

Cooper Golden (Amarillo College) took the ball to start the game for the Sluggin' Rebels, and dominated in his one inning of work. Golden gave up no runs and no hits, while striking out the side! In the bottom of the first, Hsu He-Chieh drove a single up the middle for Newton's first hit of the season. Jon Cordaway (Tarleton State University) took the ball in the second inning for Newton and put up another scoreless inning for the Rebs. Dom Corgiat (Tarleton State University) got the nod in the third and fourth innings for the Sluggin' Rebels and made it look absolutely easy as he allowed no runs and not hits while striking out two hitters. Newton scored the first run of the game and the season in the bottom of the fourth when Dominic Felix (New Mexico State) brought in Easton Bryant (Chandler-Gilbert CC) on a sac-fly. The game would remain a 1-0 ballgame until the sixth inning, when Newton added another run after a fielders choice by Tytin Goebel (Pratt CC) brought in Ryan Webster (Waldorf University), giving Newton a 2-0 lead.

The game would ultimately end in a 2-0 victory for the Sluggin' Rebels as Dom Corgiat got the win on the mound for Newton. Coach Toia had this to say about the win, "I would say it's a great first day. Our pitching staff did a great job as they finished with 14 strikeouts in 9 innings. Our hitters had quality at bats once we had a man on third. I feel good about our roster. It's going to be a fun summer!" Our GM Mark "Carv" Carvahlo had this to say about the game, "It's great to get the first one out if the way, especially with a new coaching staff and players. We have high expectations this summer and know the competition will be tough every game. Great start"!

The Sluggin' Rebels will play in their league opener tomorrow night as they host the Kansas Cannons at 7 PM. We will be celebrating the City of Newton, and all Newton residents will receive free admission with proof of ID. See you at the ballpark!