Ben Shearer’s RBI single in the bottom of the seventh inning lifted Spects National Midwest to a 4-3 victory over Wow Factor Black in the 17-18-year-old National division final of the Chad Wolff Classic, held Sunday at War Eagle Field on the Rogers Heritage High School campus.
The game, contested between Spects National Midwest and Texas-based Wow Factor Black, came down to a tense final inning where Shearer’s clutch hit with one out drove in the go-ahead run. The Spects rallied late to secure the title in one of the tournament’s marquee events.
Left-handed pitcher Trystan Newberry, who has committed to the University of Arkansas, started for Spects National Midwest and delivered the first two innings on the mound. His performance helped set the tone early, even as the teams traded runs through a competitive seven innings.
Both clubs demonstrated sharp defensive plays and competitive pitching throughout the contest. The lead shifted several times, with Spects showing resilience to overcome the challenges posed by the Texas squad.
The Chad Wolff Classic, hosted annually at Rogers Heritage High School’s War Eagle Field, draws top regional and national teams in the 17-18-year-old age bracket. It is known for spotlighting high-level amateur baseball talent, with many players pursuing collegiate and professional paths.
Sunday’s final showcased the growing prominence of Rogers as a hub for youth and amateur baseball in Northwest Arkansas, providing a platform for local and visiting teams to compete at a high level. The 4-3 final margin underscored the competitive balance between the Midwest and Texas teams this year.
The outcome adds to Spects National Midwest’s record in regional tournaments and highlights standout performers like Newberry and Shearer who could make an impact in collegiate baseball in coming seasons.
Wow Factor Black, traveling from Texas, put forth a strong effort but fell just short in the late innings. Their participation, along with other teams from outside Northwest Arkansas, speaks to the growing reach and reputation of the Chad Wolff Classic within youth baseball circles.
As the tournament wrapped up at War Eagle Field, Rogers continues to build its identity as a destination for competitive youth sports, particularly baseball, complementing the city’s established reputation in outdoor amenities and community athletics.
Source: NWA Democrat Gazette
