OSKALOOSA — Newton High’s Cardinal softball team went toe-to-toe with Class 4A No. 10 Oskaloosa Friday night in Little Hawkeye Conference play. The teams each tallied three runs in their halves of the third inning.
The hosting Indians had back-to-back singles with one out in the seventh inning. A sacrifice bunt moved the runners for the second out of the inning. An error by second baseman Fran Lucas on a ball hit by Alexis Groet allowed the winning run to cross the plate as Oskaloosa edged Newton, 4-3.
“We need to learn to adjust and hit the ball,” Newton head coach Kristina McNew said. “We have got to be more consistent and score when runners are on base. We’ll learn from tonight.”
Newton was held to three hits in the game. They cashed in on two of those hits in the third innings. With one out, Kari Adams singled and Fran Lucas reached on an error then stole second base. Sydney Jenkins ripped a two-run double then scored on a passed ball.
In the bottom of the third, Oskaloosa turned a leadoff walk into two runs when Devan Welch hit a home run. Another walk issued by Newton pitcher Anna Coyle put the tying run on with one out. Kylee Sillman connected for a two-out RBI double to drive in the third run.
The other hit in the game for Newton was a single by Audrey Lucas. Coyle allowed 10 hits walked three and had two strikeouts in the loss.
Newton is without the services of freshman pitcher Peyton Maher, who is sidelined with a leg injury.
The Cardinals are 9-5 overall and 2-2 in LHC play while the Indians improve to 10-2 overall and 2-2 in conference play.
Newton played in its own tournament Saturday. The Cardinals host 4A’s No. 13 Pella at 7:30 p.m. Monday at Berg Middle School.
Contact Jocelyn Sheets at
641-792-3121 ext. 6535
or jsheets@newtondailynews.com