Wednesday Sports Briefs

By G. MICHAEL GRAHAM

Fort Thomas Matters Sports Reporter

The Highlands Bluebirds baseball team will be the top seed in the 36th District Tournament after run-ruling the host Bellevue Tigers on Wednesday.

Hector Molina led off the game with a solo home run and the Bluebirds (15-12, 4-0 district) never looked back. They scored six in the second to go up 8-0 and finished off the game with three in the fourth and two in the fifth.

“In the five years I’ve been here, Bellevue has always played us well,” said Jeremy Baioni, Highlands Head Coach. “Some of their kids play summer ball with our kids so they know not to take them lightly. We took a good approach at the plate. We got the barrel on the ball and gave ourselves chances.”

Mitch Jones pitched the first two innings for Highlands and struck out two. Joseph Martin then relieved him and struck out five in the last three innings.

The Bluebirds outhit the Tigers, 17-6. Martin led the way going 3-for-4 with a double and Quentin Murray went 3-for-3 with two doubles and four runs batted in. Todd Ramey, Gabe Schultz and Jake Whitford all finished with two hits and recorded doubles as well.

Highlands travels to Taylor Mill to take on Scott today. Game time is 4:15 p.m.

Softball:

Highlands 10, Dixie Heights:

The Bluebirds (12-5) won their fifth in a row and second over the Lady Colonels this season.

Highlands travels to Covington Holy Cross today. Game time is 5 p.m.

Newport Central Catholic 2, Newport 1:

The Thoroughbreds (11-10) won the pitcher’s duel.

Sarah Neace (6-5) threw a complete game for the Thoroughbreds striking out five and a allowing just four hits, one earned run and a walk. She outdid Katlyn Hoeh of Newport. Hoeh struck out seven, walked none and allowed six hits and one earned run in six innings.

Casey Kohls and Morgan Martini led NewCath both going 2-for-3. Kristin Schreiber homered in the second inning to put NewCath up 1-0 and Loren Zimmerman had the game-winning run batted in single in the fifth.

Errors played a big difference in this game. Newport made four and NewCath had none.

NewCath plays host to Bishop Brossart at 5 p.m. today.