March 28, 2024

Little Dutch outlast Cards

NEWTON — Starting in a four-run hole, Newton’s baseball Cardinals staged a rally in the middle innings of Wednesday’s Little Hawkeye Conference game with Pella. They came up short, losing 6-5 to the visiting Little Dutch.

The Cardinals gave up four runs in the first three innings to the Little Dutch. They trailed 5-0 going into the bottom of the fourth inning.

Evan Shimon drew a leadoff walk for the Cardinals. Connor Gholson went in as a courtesy runner for the NHS catcher. Mike McCormick reached on a one-out base-on-balls and a single by Derek Wrage loaded the bases.

Gholson scored on an error, which allowed Jeff Stanton to reach first base. Bryce Tish was hit by a pitch forcing in another run for the Cardinals. Chandler Sturtz’s fielder’s choice drove in Drew Stout, the courtesy runner for Wrage.

Newton cut the Pella lead to two runs, 5-3. A walk and two singles produced an insurance run for the Little Dutch in the top of the fifth.

The Cardinals battled back again, scoring twice in their half of the fifth. Shimon earned a one-out walk. Gholson moved to second on a passed ball. Jordan Travis singled to right field and an error on the play allowed Gholson to score. Wrage’s single drove in Travis from second base.

Newton wasn’t able to mount another charge at Pella. The Cardinals went in order in the sixth and seventh innings.

Travis and Wrage each had two singles for the Cardinals. Tish, Tyler Wood and Sturtz had a single apiece.

Wrage worked four innings as the Cardinal starter. He was charged with five runs on six hits and one walk, plus struck out one. Michael Barr pitched one inning, allowing one run on two hits and a walk. Wood tossed two innings, walking tow and striking out one.

Newton has lost three games in a row. The Cardinals fall to 5-5 in Little Hawkeye play and 6-10 overall.

The Cardinals host Norwalk, which is atop the LHC standings, for a doubleheader Friday at Woodland Park.

Newton’s Cardinal Classic is Saturday.

The junior varsity division has games at 10 a.m. and 12:30 p,m. The varsity division begins at 3 p.m. The consolation and championship games are slated for 6 p.m.

Newton’s Baseball Hall of Fame Ceremonies are at 5:30 p.m. at Eversman Field.