Newts take two, Mechanics clinch division

NEW CARLISLE - The 2025 ORWBL regular season came to a close on Sunday afternoon with the New Carlisle Newts taking two of three from the Olive Township Mechanics, 7-6 (F/7), 4-6, 4-3.

Despite dropping the series, the Mechanics clinched the National League division title with the victory in game two and will have the top seed on the NL side of the postseason bracket.

The Newts fell behind early, trailing 6-1 in the series opener. New Carlisle rallied over the final three innings to force extras. Bryce Bloode hit three home runs in the game, including a walk-off in the bottom of the seventh.

Game two followed a similar pattern, but the Newts rally fell short. Scott Soos hit two home runs for the home team in the loss.

Soos took the ball on the mound in the rubber match. He held the Mechanics to just one run over five innings. Tyler Shupert provided all of the offense with a fourth inning grand slam.

New Carlisle finishes the season 13-14 and will begin postseason play next Sunday, July 20. Final seeding in a log jammed National League has not been announced.