Slow start plagues Newton softball in season-ending loss to Pella

PELLA — The Newton softball team had as many errors (2) as it had hits (2) during its Class 4A Region 2 first-round matchup with Pella on Thursday.

The Cardinals were limited to three base runners against Lady Dutch starting pitcher Emma Eekhoff, and the hosts took advantage of two Newton errors in the 5-0 victory.

Pella scored three runs in the first inning and added two unearned runs in the third.

The game started 30 minutes late due to rain before the game that affected field conditions.

There also was a two-hour lightning delay before the top of the seventh inning that pushed the finish time to 10:45 p.m.

The Lady Dutch (20-12) out-hit the Cardinals 6-2, and Pella had one error.

Newton and Pella are 22-22 against each other since 2009, but the Lady Dutch have won nine in a row in the series.

Kenzly Brant doubled in the fourth inning and Chloe Swank reached on an error. The Cardinals (8-21) had runners on second and third with only one out but could not score.

Viana Vasseau singled in the third for the Cardinals’ other hit.

Leileigh Hammons (8-14) pitched all six innings in the circle for Newton. She took the loss after allowing five runs — two earned — on six hits and two walks with one strikeout.

Eekhoff spun a two-hitter and got the pitching win for Pella. She struck out seven and walked none.

The Lady Dutch advanced to the regional semifinals and upset 4A No. 6 Carlisle, 1-0, on Saturday.

Pella will play Gilbert in the regional final on Tuesday. The Tigers upset 4A No. 13 Grinnell on their side of the bracket.