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District champs!
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They've done it again.

The Newton County American All-Stars - representing the Pee Wee League - blanked Jones County Thursday evening at City Pond Park, 13-0, during the finale of the Dixie League District Tournament.

The victory propels the all-star team into the state tournament on June 30 at Collins Hill in Gwinnett County, marking the eighth straight time the American All-Stars have won district.

"It feels good," said Newton County head coach Brian Digby after the win. "We had a team effort, and that's what it takes."

Newton's Ryan Digby pitched a dandy of a game, lasting three innings and earning his third win of the tournament. He also struck out the side in the third inning.

In the same inning, Newton's William Rutledge added a solo home run over the center-right field fence.

Perhaps the highlight of the game came in the top of the fourth inning. With the bases loaded and a comfortable 10-0 lead, Newton's Brennan Carter stepped to the plate, and just like Domino's Pizza he delivered. Carter lined a three-run double up the middle, which traveled to the center field fence in a matter of seconds.

But the championship was an overall team effort; each player contributed in the five-game tournament, which is exactly why the team is heading to the state tournament.

On Monday, the American All-Stars defeated Jones County, 13-4. Thus, after Thursday they had scored a combined 26 runs in two games against Jones County.

Digby attributes the offensive surge on the work ethic of this team.

"The (kids) get here before the coaches do," said Digby. "They can't wait to be the first ones on the field, and that's what it's all about. (Our) team wanted to win today, and that's what we did.

"Our goal was not to get beat on our field," added Digby. "I think they took (that) to heart; you could tell by the way we played. Our pitching was solid and we had timely hitting; I don't think you could have gotten a better result."