WICHITA – The Newman baseball team opened its weekend home series against St. Edward's with a 9-4 victory Friday evening at McCarthy Field. Allowing three runs off three hits in over six innings from pitcher Kyle Burkhardt proved to be a positive factor in the Jets' win.

Newman (12-18, 6-13 Heartland) tied St. Edwards (16-11, 10-6 Heartland) in the bottom of the first, 1-1. Corey Cowan doubled down the right field line, and advanced on a David Longmore sacrifice bunt. A ground out by Mike Williams brought Cowan home giving the Jets their only run in the inning.

The Hilltoppers scored another run in the third taking the lead, 2-0.

In the bottom of the fourth, Scot Palmer reached first on a fielder's choice then advanced to second on a Thomas Robulack single to left field. Brett Delcambre tripled down the right field line to score both Palmer and Robulack. A single to center field by Jordan Ollenberger brought Delcambre in to give the Jets a 4-2 lead.

Newman kept its offense rolling in the fifth with five runs. Ryan Engrav began the inning with a double to left center, and scored off a Palmer single. The Jets took advantage of the Hilltoppers decision to change pitchers, inserting Matthew Anderson for Jeff Rohrback, and welcomed Aderson to the mound with a Thomas Robulack single. Delcambre singled through the left side to load the bases for Newman. Ollenberger was put out at first, but advanced the runners scoring Palmer. John Bonebrake brought in two Jet runs off a triple then came home on a Cowan single. The big inning gave Newman a comfortable lead of 9-2.

St. Edward's scored two runs in the seventh, but they were not enough to overcome the Jets, ending the game 9-4.

Kyle Burkhardt pitched 6.2 innings allowing three runs off three hits, receiving the win. Bonebrake went three-for-three at the plate producing two RBI's and scoring one run.

The win over St. Edward's moves Newman to a 12-18 season record and 6-13 in Heartland play. The Jets will finish the home series against the Hilltoppers on Saturday with a doubleheader beginning at noon.