The Scott Eagles baseball team (4-6) has a chance to put some momentum together with a big 37th District seed game on the horizon in a week.
The host Eagles knocked off the Newport Central Catholic Thoroughbreds, 10-4 for their third win in four games. This marked the 100th win for fourth-year head coach Kevin Goins, which includes a stint at Franklin County.
Scott built a 3-0 lead after one. Then after NewCath (3-6) tied it with two runs in the top of the third, Scott exploded for seven runs in the bottom of the third.
“In the early part of preseason practice, we didn’t see live pitching so it was hard for us,” Goins said. “Our field wasn’t ready so we couldn’t get on it. When we get to use the football field turf, we obviously can’t hit out there so our hitting is behind. We faced quality arms in every loss that we’ve had. It’s good to see arms like that. Guys are learning from mistakes. As we get into the middle of our season, we’re starting to play better.”
The Eagles collected seven hits, Junior left fielder Zack Sparks and sophomore third baseman Trevor Pulsfort with two apiece. Pulsfort and sophomore shortstop Brady Smith both scored two runs with junior first baseman Gunner Bleha and senior catcher Landon Kiser batting in two each. Senior center fielder Casey Hilbert had a double.
Senior right-handed pitcher Blaise Huiet (2-1) earned the win pitching the first five innings, striking out four and walking three. Junior Drew Grindstaff pitched the last two innings to pick up the win, allowing one hit and striking out one.
“My teammates helped a lot. It took a lot of pressure off my back with us having the lead,” Huiet said. “I love helping my teammates be more comfortable at the plate. It just feels like the strike zone is bigger when we have the lead.”
The Thoroughbreds used four pitchers in the loss. Junior starter Noah Ohradzansky took the loss pitching into the third inning striking out four.
Both teams resume action Wednesday. Scott plays host to Holy Cross (5-9) at 5 p.m. NewCath plays host to Lloyd Memorial (2-5) at the same time.
Other Baseball Scores
Covington Catholic 15, Dixie Heights 10 (11 innings)
Dixie Heights 11, Boone County 1 (6 innings)
Hamilton (Ohio) Badin 6, Covington Catholic 0
Bishop Brossart 4, Lloyd Memorial 1
Campbell County 17, Cooper 5 (6 innings)
Walton-Verona 4, Owen County 2
Highlands 6, Holy Cross 0
St. Henry 10, Holmes 0 (5 innings)
Cincinnati (Ohio) Trailblazers Home School 16, Calvary Christian 6 (5 innings)
Softball
Conner 13, Beechwood 1 (6 innings)
The Cougars (6-5) exploded for eight runs in the top of the fifth to earn their first Ninth Region win of the season on the road against the Tigers (4-3).
Conner tallied 12 hits in the victory. Freshman catcher Breanna Meredith led the way going 3-for-4 with a double and two RBI. Junior second baseman Katie Hammond went 2-for-4 with a double, RBI and scored twice. Junior right fielder Mollie Sharp and eighth grade left fielder Kayla Ortiz scored twice.
Sophomore pitcher Ellie Ortiz pitched a complete game, striking out 10, walking two and allowing just two hits and one earned run. She overcame four Conner errors while the Cougars scored 10 unearned runs off six Tiger errors.
Conner plays host to Ryle (3-3) on Tuesday at 5 p.m. to open 33rd District seed play. Beechwood goes to Newport Central Catholic (5-1) on Wednesday at 5:30 p.m.
Other Softball Scores
Calvary Christian 16, Newport 0 (3 innings)
Owen County 8, Walton-Verona 5
Dayton 16, Lloyd Memorial 2 (5 innings)
Holmes 23, St. Henry 10