Tuesday Sports Briefs

By G. MICHAEL GRAHAM

Fort Thomas Matters Sports Reporter

The Highlands Bluebirds softball team played its final home game in Death Valley on Tuesday and came up with a huge victory.

The Bluebirds run-ruled the Newport Lady Wildcats, 15-5 in five innings to claim the top spot in the 36th District Tournament next week at Northern Kentucky University. Highlands (15-10) finished 5-0 against district opponents during the regular season beating Newport Central Catholic twice.

Newport tied the game in the third. But the Bluebirds responded with five in the inning to go up 7-2 for good. Payton Leighty picked up the pitching win for Highlands with Shelby Graybill knocking home the finishing touches in the sixth even though Newport tried to intentionally walk her.

The Bluebirds travel to Lloyd Memorial on Thursday. Game time is 5 p.m.

Baseball:

Lloyd Memorial 8, Highlands 5:

The Bluebirds (16-17) lost their second straight in Erlanger on Monday.

Highlands does not play again until Friday. The Bluebirds play host to Conner at 5 p.m.

Newport Central Catholic 5, Scott 3:

The Thoroughbreds (18-12) snapped a two-game losing streak with the home win Tuesday.

They outhit the Eagles, 10-5. Alex Grau finished a perfect 4-for-4 with two runs and a run batted in. Dom Pangallo and Michael Bueter added doubles.

Josh Cain picked up the win for the Thoroughbreds. He pitched five innings and struck out three before Nick Seibert pitched the final two innings to record the save.

NewCath travels to Woodford County today. Game time is 6 p.m.