The Newton Lady Eagles were right in the fight until the final inning but came up just short Tuesday, falling 4-3 to St. Anthony.
Newton actually outhit the Bulldogs 7-4, but a tough seventh inning proved to be the difference.
The Lady Eagles broke through first in the fourth inning, taking advantage of a St. Anthony error to push across the game’s first run. Newton added to its lead in the fifth, with timely hitting helping plate two more runs to go up 3-0.
St. Anthony stayed quiet offensively until the final frame, when the Bulldogs capitalized on miscues to flip the game. A combination of a fielder’s choice and multiple errors allowed four runs to cross, giving St. Anthony a 4-3 lead they would not relinquish.
Lexie Ghast was strong in the circle for Newton, tossing a complete game. The right-hander allowed just four hits and four runs—none earned—over seven innings while striking out eight and walking none. Despite the loss, Ghast’s outing kept Newton in control most of the game.
At the plate, Newton was led by Audrie Reich and Paige Wagner, who each collected two hits. Reich also drove in a run for the Lady Eagles.
St. Anthony’s Lilly Gannaway led the Bulldogs with two hits from the leadoff spot, while Emeline Wines added an RBI. Nancy Ruholl went the distance in the circle for St. Anthony, allowing seven hits and three runs (one earned) while striking out four.
Newton drops a close one despite a strong overall performance and will look to bounce back in its next matchup on the road at Mt. Carmel.
Box Score
St. Anthony – 4 R, 4 H, 1 E
Newton – 3 R, 7 H, 3 E
Newton Hitting
A. Hermann 1-4, R
J. Reich 1-4
C. Probst 1-4
J. Dhom 0-3
A. Reich 2-3, RBI
P. Wagner 2-3, R
L. Ghast 0-2
I. Meinhart 0-2
E. Brooks 0-2
K. Groves 0-1
Pitching (Newton)
L. Ghast – 7 IP, 4 H, 4 R, 0 ER, 0 BB, 8 K
