Highlands baseball wins season opener

The Highlands Bluebirds baseball team opened the campaign with a 5-2 victory over the visiting Beechwood Tigers on Monday.

The Bluebirds scored three runs in the first inning and never looked back. Senior D.J. Mills had the big hit with a two-run home run. Mills and Jake Whitford had two runs batted in each to lead Highlands.

Highlands promised to take advantage of its pitching depth this year. Kenny Ball, Lou Bunning and Jacob Noe pitched in the game for the Bluebirds. Bunning pitched the first four innings and struck out five to pick up the win and Noe struck out another in the seventh to pick up the save.

Ryle comes to Fort Thomas on Wednesday. Game time is 5 p.m.

Softball:
Newport Central Catholic 8, Dixie Heights 1:
The host Thoroughbreds (3-0) stayed undefeated with the home win.

NewCath scored two in the first for the only runs needed to win the game. But the Thoroughbreds blew it open with four runs in the bottom of the fourth.

The Thoroughbreds outhit the Lady Colonels, 7-4. Kristen Schreiber went 2-for-2 with a double and home run to lead NewCath.

Haley Meyers picked up her third win in as many games on the mound for NewCath. She struck out six and walked five.

NewCath travels to Conner on Thursday. Game time is 5 p.m.