As was the case during Newtown High School's South-West Conference championship run, pitching dominated in the opener of the state playoffs.

Jason Hebner, who helped Newtown's staff shut down a trio of SWC foes en route to the title, tossed a six-hitter, allowing one unearned run, walking two, and striking out 11 in Newtown's 3-1 victory over host Hall of West Hartford, in the Class LL tournament's first round, on May 30.

The No. 21 seed in the bracket, Newtown fell behind 1-0 to No. 12 Hall in the second inning, but rallied to tie the score in the third and scored twice in the fourth.

Jack Miller smashed a tie-breaking two-run homerun. Hebner helped his own cause with a 2-for-4 performance at the plate and run batted in.

Austin Kasbarian scored a run, and Harry Lucas had a stolen base and scored.

Peter Debona and Robert Lombardo both collected doubles, and Ben Harrison and Robert Murray swatted singles for the Nighthawks.

Newtown earned a visit to No. 5 Fairfield Prep in the Wednesday, May 31 second round; first pitch is set for 3:30 pm.

The winner will take on either No. 4 New Milford or No. 20 Danbury in the quarterfinals, on Saturday, June 3.