PELLA — Since taking possession of first place in the Little Hawkeye Conference last week, the Newton baseball team didn’t want anyone challenging its place at the top — especially one of its biggest rivals.

Fighting off a few errors, the Cardinals (9-7, 8-1) used a big fourth inning and solid pitching performances by sophomore Derek Wrage and senior Nick Vander Wilt to earn a 6-4 defeat, and regular-season sweep, of Pella on Monday night.

“We have a big rivalry with Pella, and honestly I don’t know how long it’s been since we’ve swept them in three games,” Newton senior Blake Tish said. “It feels pretty good going 3-0 against them, and it’s great for the team and the conference.”