Monday Sports Briefs

Allen Ramsey Photo. Highlands seventh-grader Rachel Gabbard (16) makes the play in Monday's win over Bishop Brossart. Highlands moved to 18-11 with the 11-1 win.

By G. MICHAEL GRAHAM

Fort Thomas Matters Sports Reporter

The Highlands Bluebirds baseball team fell behind 6-0 in the first inning.

But the Bluebirds (16-15) slowly chipped away at it and scored three runs in the bottom of the seventh to beat the Ryle Raiders, 7-6 Monday at University of Cincinnati Medical Center Field. Ryle won the 9th Region crown last year.

Highlands scored the game-winning run on a suicide squeeze play. Joey Cochran scored when Grayson Heck laid down the bunt.

Highlands outhit Ryle, 10-7. Todd Ramey led the way for the Bluebirds going 2-for-4 with a home run, three runs batted in and a run scored. Teammate Evan Allen followed going 2-for-2 with a triple and two runs scored with Heck going 2-for-3 with an RBI.

Lou Bunning pitched the first six innings for Highlands striking out two. But Kenny Ball picked up the win pitching the seventh.

Baseball:

Scott 9, Newport Central Catholic 4:

The Thoroughbreds (9-22) lost their second straight on Monday. The game was moved from Wednesday.

Softball:

Highlands 11, Bishop Brossart 1:

The Ladybirds (18-11) won their 10th straight and equaled last year’s win total with a five-inning run-ruling of the Lady Mustangs on Monday at Winkler Park.

Highlands pounded out 14 hits. Haley Coffey led the way going 3-for-4 with a double, three runs batted in and three runs scored.

Whitney Quillen, Shelby Graybill, Kendall Turner, Brenah Dutcher and Payton Leighty all had two hits each for the Ladybirds. Graybill had two doubles and Quillen tripled. Quillen scored twice and Dutcher had three RBI.

Bailey Spencer threw a no-hitter picking up the win for Highlands. She struck out two and walked two.

Highlands takes on St. Henry at 6 p.m. Tuesday before facing Boone County at 8 p.m.

Notre Dame 17, Newport Central Catholic 3:

The Thoroughbreds (17-8) struggled against the 9th Region champs Monday.

The Pandas outhit the Thoroughbreds, 16-7 and capitalized on 11 walks. Kristen Schreiber led NewCath going 2-for-4 with Morgan Martini and Loren Zimmerman adding doubles.

NewCath travels to Campbell County on Tuesday. Game time is 5 p.m.