Newsome Will Get Playoff Boost With Parker’s Return

Posted Apr 23, 2008 by Adam Adkins

Updated Apr 23, 2008 at 10:02 PM

Newsome will get a huge boost for the playoffs with the return of senior left-handed pitcher Kyle Parker.

Parker said after the Wolves’ 11-7 victory over Armwood in the Class 5A-District 8 semfinals on Wednesday that the cast he’s been wearing on his left hand since before the Saladino Tournament will be removed on Friday. Parker said he expects to be in the lineup in Tuesday’s region quarterfinal playoff game against an opponent yet to be determined. Newsome will face Brandon, which defeated Wharton 8-5 in the other semifinal, in Thursday night’s district title game.

The winner of the Brandon-Newsome game will host the runner-up of District 7, while the loser will travel to the District 7 winner. Land O’Lakes and Wesley Chapel will play in the District 7 title game Thursday at River Ridge

Parker won’t return to the mound in that region quarterfinal game, as Zach Walker said Wednesday that Kris Castellanos will get the start. However, Walker said should the Wolves win Tuesday’s game, Parker would be in line to take the ball Friday.

Parker, who has signed with the University of South Florida, posted a 5-0 record with a 1.95 ERA and 50 strikeouts in 43 innings pitched this season before suffering the injury.