NEWNAN, Ga. — A four-run sixth inning propelled the Newnan baseball team past Habersham Central, 6-2, in Game 3 of the best-of-three Class 5A quarterfinal series at home on Thursday.
On Wednesday, the Raiders staved off elimination again, this time in the quarterfinals of the Class 5A playoffs, winning Game 2 over Newnan, 4-2, to tie the series at a game apiece. They lost the first game 2-1 in 12 innings.
With the Game 3 win, Newnan advances to the semifinals against River Ridge next week. Habersham Central ends its season 25-16.
Newnan (28-6-1) wasted no time getting on the scoreboard, as Hayes McGinnis' sacrifice fly in the bottom of the first inning scored a run. Later in the inning, Caden Truitt launched a solo home run over the left field fence to extend the lead to 2-0.
However, the Raiders battled back, with Callum Spivey delivering a clutch RBI double and Spencer Frady's fielder's choice bringing in a run, tying the game 2-2 in the top of the sixth inning.
But the Cougars answered in the bottom of the frame. Brodie Campbell ripped a two-run single to put Newnan back in front, and Bryce Stanfield followed with a base hit that brought in two more, giving the Cougars a 6-2 lead after six innings.
Cole Gilmore earned the win for Newnan, pitching six strong innings. He gave up six hits and two earned runs while striking out five and walking two.
Charlie Mills led the Raiders at the plate, going 3-for-3. Mason Witt added two hits, while Spivey and Frady each tallied an RBI.
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