The Newman Warriors suffered a close loss to the Hughson Huskies in a battle that showcased their strong defense and determination. The match was a thrilling contest from start to finish, with both teams trading blows throughout the entire game.
The Warriors started off strong with a 2-0 lead in the bottom of the first on a bunt single from freshman Rae Oliveros and a throwing error later in the play. Orestimba’s defense kept the Huskies at bay in the top of the second, particularly Oliveros, who dove at second base for a hard ground ball to start a double play.
Hughson returned the favor in the bottom of the second when Kylie Tangney shut down the side with 3 of her 8 strikeouts of the game. Hughson bats came alive in the top of the third tying the game 2-2.
Orestimba quickly reclaimed their lead the next half inning with a pair of runs scoring on bunt plays. The Huskies cut the lead to 4-3 in the fourth thanks to a Peyton Moring RBI single up the middle. Following the freshman’s nock was another Moring, Allison, who tied the game with a single in the fifth.
The Huskies took a 6-4 lead on an RBI single from senior Grace Leedom and a bunt single by P Wells that led to an error. That set up Carne’s heroics to give the Huskies the 8-4 lead.
In the top of the sixth inning Hughson’s Emma Carne sent one over the right center field wall giving the Huskies an 8-4 lead.
The Warriors put up a battle, scoring one run in the bottom of the sixth.
In the bottom of the seventh, with two outs #9 Belany Martins answers with her own two run home run bringing the Warriors within one run at 8-7. But that would be it as the Huskies’ Presley Wells retired the side with a strike out to bring the Huskies the win.
The Huskies improved to 6-1 in league play and jumped to the top of the standings, with second-place Ripon, 5-1, now trailing by a half game. The Warriors dropped to 3-3 against conference opponents and down to third place.
The Warriors will face an 8-12 Turlock Bulldogs at Orestimba High at 4 p.m. on April 16. It will be Senior Night for the players.