Cardinals split LHC doubleheader

GRIMES — Newton High’s Cardinals split a Little Hawkeye Conference doubleheader Friday against Dallas Center-Grimes.

Seniors Tyler Wood and Jordan Travis each pitched a seven-hitter for the Cardinals. Wood picked up the win in a 5-3 decision in the opener, despite giving up two home runs. Travis took a loss on the mound in a 6-0 nightcap win by the Mustangs.

In the first game, Newton took full advantage of wild pitches by DCG.

The Cardinals claimed a 1-0 lead in the second. Connor Gholson double to right field with one out then moved to third on a wild pitch and scampered home on another wild pitch by DCG’s Nate Osborn.

The Mustangs tied the game on a leadoff home run by Tanner Draisey in the third inning.

Newton responded with a three-run fourth frame. With one gone, Wood singled, advanced to second on a wild pitch and to third on a passed ball. Michael Barr’s single chased home the go-ahead run, then Barr stole second base and Gholson drew a walk.

Mike McCormick singled to load the bases, and Barr scored on a wild pitch. Brennen Dodd grounded out, but drove in a run to put the Cardinals up 4-1.

Cole Baker led off the Mustangs’ fourth with a home run over the left field fence.

Each team added a run in the seventh. Travis singled for Newton, stole second and two passed balls later he scored, giving Newton a 5-2 lead. Dallas Center-Grimes used a Cardinal error a couple of walks and a single to score a run.

Wood walked two and struck out three in the win. Gholson doubled while Wood, Barr, McCormick and Travis each had a single.

The Mustangs set up a lead early in the second game, scoring twice with two gone in the first using wild pitches and walks as Travis struggled to find the strike zone for the Cardinals. The Mustangs had three of their seven hits in the second inning to score three more times. They added a run on three hits in the fourth.

Travis walked four batters and struck out three in the loss for Newton. Gholson doubled again. Drew Stout, Barr and Travis hit a single apiece. The Cardinals left five runners on base.

Newton is 9-6 in Little Hawkeye Conference play and 16-11 overall. The Cardinals are at Knoxville Monday for a non-conference doubleheader. They go to South Tama Tuesday and Boone Wednesday to wrap up regular season action.

Contact Jocelyn Sheets at
641-792-3121 ext. 6535
or jsheets@newtondailynews.com