Big first inning lifts No. 13 Boone past No. 15 Newton

BOONE — In a possible preview of a Class 4A Region 2 semifinal match-up, 13th-ranked Boone got past 15th-ranked Newton, 13-8, Tuesday. The host Toreadors powered across eight runs on seven hits in the opening inning and held off the Cardinals down the stretch.

Newton received a first-round bye in the 4A regional tournament while Boone hosts Webster City on July 7. The winner of the Boone and Webster City game plays at 7 p.m. July 9 at Newton.

The Cardinals pushed across a run in the first inning. Senior Sydney Jenkins drew a leadoff walk and stole second base. Sophomore Karley Leiker singled and Jenkins scored on a passed ball.

In the bottom of the first inning, Boone used seven hits and two walks issued by Newton starting pitcher, sophomore Taylor Ryan, to score eight runs. The Toreadors racked up two more runs in the second against freshman Maddison Thayer, who walked three batters and hit one batter. Thayer also allowed one hit.

Karley Leiker took over in the circle in the bottom of the second inning. Leiker pitched out of a jam in the second inning then had two scoreless innings. She allowed two runs in the fifth and one in the sixth. Leiker gave up six hits and struck out one.

Newton tried to climb out of the deep hole with two runs in the third inning. Jenkins walked again to lead off the third and stole second and third. Karley Leiker delivered an RBI single and freshman Emily Valtman connected for a one-out RBI double.

The Cardinals added single runs in the fourth, fifth and sixth innings. Kennedy Leiker doubled and scored on a two-out single by Jenkins in the fourth. With one gone in the fifth, Valtman singled and came home on a double by Ryan.

Kari Adams led off the sixth with a home run over the left center field fence to make it 12-6. Valtman opened Newton’s seventh inning with a base hit and sophomore Audrey Lucas singled with one gone. Adams delivered a two-out single. Two runs scored, but the Toreadors halted the Cardinal rally for the win.

Valtman went 3-for-4 with two singles and a double. Adams hit a single and a home run while Karley Leiker hit two singles. Ryan and Kennedy Leiker each had a double.

Jenkins was 1-for-1 with a single and drew three walks. Audrey Lucas had a base hit.

The Cardinals (20-9) finish Little Hawkeye Conference action at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday at 4A 12th-ranked Pella. Newton is 6-5 in LHC play.

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