[strawberryshakeman]

Senior right-hander Connor Bartels struggled in the first inning but allowed just two hits over the final six as Newport Central Catholic edged Woodford County, 4-2 on Wednesday. Senior center fielder Josh Cain launched a solo homer, his fourth of the season, over the left field fence to give the Thoroughbreds the early lead in the top of the first.

The Yellow Jackets struck for both of their runs in the bottom of the frame, but NewCath senior left fielder Nick Seibert tied it with an RBI single. Senior third baseman Alex Grau’s run-scoring single later in the inning put the Thoroughbreds ahead for good.

NEWCATH............121-000-0—4 7 0
at WOODFORD CO 200-000-0—2 5 3
WP: Bartels (5-2). LP: Parrett. HITTING LEADERS: NCC—Cain 2-3, HR; Hoffstedder 2-2. WC—Boggess 2B. RECORDS: NewCath 19-12, Woodford County 21-7.