Cardinals knock off Toreadors

BOONE — Three consecutive singles loaded the bases with Newton Senior High Cardinals in a 1-1 game in the top of the sixth inning Wednesday night. The bases were still loaded with two outs and no Card runner had crossed the plate.

Mike McCormick hit the ball hard toward Boone High’s senior shortstop Corey Fowler. Fowler misplayed the ball which allowed McCormick to reach safely but more importantly, two runs scored.

The Cardinals plated another run in the frame when Jeff Stanton connected for an RBI base hit. Newton was on its way to a 6-2 win over host Boone in a non-conference game.

Another error by the Toreadors opened the gate for two more Newton runs in the seventh inning. The Cardinals were up 4-2 after six innings.

Michael Barr was safe on that error to lead off the seventh for Newton. Chandler Sturtz singled with one gone then Tyler Woods’ two-out triple down the right-field line drove home two runs.

The Cardinals had tied the game at 1-1 with a run in the second frame. McCormick singled and went to third a hit-and-run base hit by Stanton. Derek Wrage grounded out to second base producing the run.

It was Sturtz, Wood and Evan Shimon who delivered singles for Newton in the sixth inning. The other hit on the night for the Cards was a double by Taylor Field.

Wood picked up the pitching victory, going six innings for Newton. Wood allowed two runs on seven hits and three walks plus struck out two. Wrage pitched the seventh inning and had a strikeout.

Newton improved to 16-15 on the season. It handed Boone its eighth loss of the season (19-8).

The Cardinals travel to take on South Tama tonight for a junior varsity/varsity doubleheader. Newton hosts Oskaloosa on Monday in a make-up junior varsity/varsity doubleheader.

Newton’s junior varsity also posted a 6-2 win over Boone Wednesday.