By Christopher Shaban
EAGLE TIMES STAFF
NEWPORT-Tonya Sanchez threw a beauty of a game as the Tigers shutout Belmont 11-0 to advance to the quarter-finals round on Saturday in Newport. “Tonya pitched well, and we gave her some run support with some key hits and smart base running,” said Newport coach Sam McNeel.
Newport would grab a run in their first at bat then added more in their next as Sanchez was rolling along on the bump as she helped her own cause with a single then came around for the game’s first run when Katie Sharon tripled. The Tigers gave Sanchez all the runs she needed in the 2nd inning plating four runs to grab a 5-0 lead.
Eden Ritondo walked, then the Newport bats became red hot. Peyton Blackinton singled, Alexis Durgin Doubled and Sanchez followed up with a double of her own and, when the dust had settled, Newport was on their way. “This team is so upbeat, we all cheer for each other and the chatter keeps everyone focused and alert,” said Blackinton.
Belmont knocked Newport out of the playoffs last season, and they were looking to get on the scoreboard in the 4th. Sanchez fanned two batters but gave up two walks before a Red Raider line drive was grabbed by the Tigers right fielder Maddie Norris to end the threat. “That was a big play, we needed to keep them off the scoreboard and Maddie made a nice grab,” said McNeel.
Emma O’Connor joined the team five games ago after track season ended when Cassie Sandorn had to step away. “Emma always came to practices, but track was her first option but when that season ended, we had the green light to add her,” said McNeel. The feisty catcher reached on a single, stole 2nd, stole 3rd and scored the next Newport run to make it 6-0. “Tonya was spotting the ball right where my mitt was all day she was on her game”.
Newport blew things open in the 6th plating 5 runs with big hits off the bats of Durgin(single), Sanchez(triple), Norris(double) and finally Ritondo(triple).
Sanchez picked up the win with 10 strikeouts while allowing only two hits.
#5 Newport will face #13 Mascenic on Saturday in the NHIAA quarter finals. Newport beat Mascenic on April 20th by a score of 8-5, but Mascenic knocked off #4 seed Monadnock to earn a trip to Newport on Saturday. “We’ve never made it past the quarterfinals, maybe this is our year,” said McNeel. First pitch is scheduled for 4pm.
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