March 29, 2024

NHS softball loses opener to Marshalltown

MARSHALLTOWN — A five-run fourth inning propelled Newton’s Cardinals to a 6-3 lead over host Marshalltown Thursday night. Unfortunately, the Bobcats scratched out an 8-7 win spoiling the NHS softball team’s season opener.

“We out hit Marshalltown seven to five. We gave up five unearned runs tonight. You take those out and we win a ballgame,” said Ashley Ryan, Cardinal head coach.

“We had some positives for the first game out, but we have to treat every out as a gift. We can’t make one error and turn it into two errors.”

Senior Lizzie Stock turned in a strong pitching outing for the Cardinals. A year ago, Stock broke her hand in the first game of the season and was out the whole season.

Stock pitched six innings, allowed eight runs on five hits, two walks and one hit batter. She struck out two.

Newton’s top of the batting order produced six hits and scored five times in the game. Ryan said the Cardinals had great base running in the game.

Marshalltown scored three runs in the first inning.

Newton got on the scoreboard in the third inning. Leadoff hitter Sydney Jenkins connected for a one-out double and moved to third on a single by Kari Adams. Jenkins scored on a passed ball. Newton stranded two baserunners.

Down 3-1, the Cardinals had a two-out rally in the fourth inning. Jaci Twaddle reached on a Bobcat error followed by an RBI double by Katie Chisholm. Jenkins and Adams drew back-to-back walks and Stock drove home runs on a single. Another run scored when Madison Bagnall reached on an error.

Marshalltown got two runs back in the bottom of the fourth, then tied the game at 6-all with a run in the fifth.

Jenkins speed on the base paths paid off for the Cardinals in the sixth inning. She singled with one gone then stole second and third. Adams’ sacrifice drove in the go-ahead run.

The Bobcats scored twice in their half of the sixth to gain an 8-7 lead. Marshalltown retired Newton in order in the seventh to claim the victory.

Jenkins had two singles and a double for Newton. Stock tagged the ball for two base hits. Chisholm doubled and Adams singles.

Newton (0-1) has its home opener tonight at 7 p.m., playing West Marshall at Berg Middle School.