NEWTON — The Newton Lady Eagles showed fight down to the final outs Tuesday, but a late comeback bid came up just short in an 8-6 loss to Mattoon.
Trailing by six runs heading into the sixth inning, Newton mounted a strong push, plating four runs to cut the deficit to two. The rally included timely hits, aggressive baserunning, and capitalizing on defensive miscues, but Mattoon held on to secure the win.
Despite the loss, Newton outhit Mattoon 11-9 and consistently put pressure on the Lady Wave throughout the game.
Allie Hermann, Lexie Ghast, and Audrie Reich led the way offensively with two hits apiece. Reich added an RBI, continuing to be a steady presence in the middle of the lineup. Emma Brooks delivered a key performance as well, driving in two runs, while Paige Wagner and Claire Probst each contributed an RBI.
Newton broke through in the fourth inning with two runs before the sixth-inning surge gave the Lady Eagles life late. Emma Brooks also added a stolen base as part of Newton’s aggressive approach on the basepaths.
In the circle, Lexie Ghast took the loss, working 5.1 innings and allowing seven runs (six earned) on seven hits while striking out two. Karly Deckard came on in relief and was effective, allowing just one run on two hits over 1.2 innings.
Mattoon was sparked by Micheala Starwalt and H. Ramsey at the plate, while B. Powers added a two-RBI effort. The Lady Wave also created havoc on the bases, swiping six stolen bases in the game.
Newton turned a double play defensively and limited damage at times, but Mattoon’s big innings proved to be the difference.
The Lady Eagles will look to bounce back as they continue their road stretch.
GAME SUMMARY
Mattoon 8, Newton 6
Mattoon: 0 1 0 3 0 4 0 — 8 9 2
Newton: 0 0 0 2 0 4 0 — 6 11 1
NEWTON HITTING
Audrie Reich (#13) — 2-for-3, RBI, BB
Allie Hermann (#14) — 2-for-4
Lexie Ghast (#24) — 2-for-4
Emma Brooks (#10) — 1-for-4, 2 RBI, SB
Paige Wagner (#7) — 1-for-4, RBI
Claire Probst (#15) — 1-for-4, RBI
Jorjia Reich (#5) — 1-for-3, BB
Jacee Dhom (#26) — 1-for-4
NEWTON PITCHING
Lexie Ghast (#24) — 5.1 IP, 7 R (6 ER), 7 H, 2 K, 1 BB
Karly Deckard (#30) — 1.2 IP, 1 R (0 ER), 2 H, 1 K
TEAM NOTES
Newton: 11 hits, 3 walks, 8 left on base
Mattoon: 9 hits, 1 walk, 6 stolen bases
