By Seth Vanderwest
LocalSportsJournal.com
KENT CITY–The Newaygo varsity softball team traveled down M-37 to take on Kent City and earned two victories, 8-4 and 13-12.
The games were played in the CSAA conference.
Kent City kicked off the scoring in the opener by putting up a run in the first to take an early lead. But Newaygo scored three in the third, four in the fourth and one more in the fifth to take control of the game. Three late runs by the Eagles were not enough to stop the Lions.
The winning pitcher for Newaygo was Sydnee Kirk, who pitched a complete game with eight strikeouts and no earned runs allowed.
The leading hitter for Newaygo was Allison Cook, who had a single and a double, two RBI, and a run in four at-bats. Chloe Clark and Gracie Stamp each added two hits.
Denyle Bonter, Jacee Hoffman, Lexie Bowers, and Hannah Stellini all tallied a hit for Kent City.
In the nightcap, the bats came alive.
The Lions scored at least two runs in innings in each of the first five innings.
Going into the bottom of the seventh, Kent City was down 13-9. Their comeback bid ultimately came just short, however. The Eagles scored three runs in the seven. But with two outs and a runner heading toward home, Newaygo’s Amaya Lathrop made a diving catch in the infield to secure the Lions victory and sweep.
Newaygo’s Addison Goodin had two hits and knocked in three runs. Lydia Lathrop scored three runs, had a hit, and a pair of stolen bases.
Kent City spread their hits around as eight batters recorded at least one hit. Lexie Bowers went 4-for-5, scored three runs and added an RBI. Savannah Miller, Jacee Hoffman, and Lylah Larson each had two hits.
Newaygo is next in action against Grant on Friday. Kent City will travel to Morley Stanwood on Friday.
Photos courtesy of LSJ photographer Krisha Wainright
