UPDATE: This article has been updated to include a bracket play win over Booneville.

The Newtown Hawks 10U baseball team advanced to the Elite 8 of the Cal Ripken World Series in Vincennes, Ind., the deepest any Newtown team has gone in the World Series in more than 20 years, Hawks coaches said.

The Hawks opened pool play with a 6-0 shutout of the host team, led by Jacob Steeves’s five strikeouts, Joey Skura’s two-hit, two-run day, and an RBI single from Chase Pacuk. They followed with a 7-2 win over Booneville, Mo., behind Brayden Andrews’ seven strikeouts and two hits, Maverick Levy’s three strikeouts in relief, and a single and run scored from Parker Esposito.

In a 5-0 loss to Puerto Rico, Grayson Kohlasch struck out three batters and had a late single, Austin Rekos pitched a clean sixth, and Luke Dobson hustled for a bunt hit. Pool play closed with a 5-4 heartbreaker to Crown Point, a game in which James Otis reached base twice and scored, Jack Fregoe steadied the defense in left, and Andrews doubled and stole a base.

Bracket play opened on Wednesday, August 13, with a rematch of a pool play game vs Booneville, Mo., and Newtown kept rolling with a 7–2 win. Brayden Andrews delivered a commanding performance, striking out seven on the mound while also collecting two hits to spark the offense. His impact set the tone on both sides of the ball. Jacob Steeves backed him up with steady play at first base and a disciplined at bat to reach base. Parker Esposito chipped in with a key single and came around to score, helping keep the Hawks’ momentum rolling.

The next day was one of the most dramatic games of the tournament — an 8-7 extra-inning victory over Mexico. The matchup had everything: clutch hits, defensive grit, and high drama under the lights. Maverick Levy delivered the biggest swings of the night with a bases-clearing double and a triple, driving in four runs to keep Newtown in front. Chase Pacuk showed toughness on the mound, grinding through critical innings to hold Mexico at bay and give his offense a chance to respond. And with the game on the line, Austin Rekos ripped the game-winning double to right field, sealing the Hawks’ spot in the Elite 8. In a pressure-packed atmosphere, the team members carried themselves with maturity and poise well beyond their years.

Their run ended the following night against a powerful South Lexington team in a 6-0 loss, but not without a fight. Andrews battled on the mound and reached base with a walk, Steeves added a single, and Dobson chipped in with a sharp hit as Newtown fought to the very last out.

Several Hawks earned Player of the Game honors during the series, including Joey Skura, Austin Rekos, Brayden Andrews (twice), Maverick Levy, Luke Dobson, and Jacob Steeves. Skura also received a Golden Glove award for his work behind the plate.

The Hawks’ historic run to the Elite 8 not only showcased their talent but also their resilience and sportsmanship, leaving their mark on the biggest stage in Cal Ripken baseball.