The start of the game was a bad omen on how this game would turn out, as the Bethel Bees traveled to Newton last week in a game that was moved from Bethel due to the wet field conditions.

Newton scored four times in their first at-bat despite not collecting a hit, as they went on to defeat the Bees 11-1 in a five-inning run-rule contest.

“We had an injury to our number two pitcher, so we started out freshman (Sarah) so we realize it was an uphill battle going into the game,” said Bethel coach Jeremy Reittinger. “Newton is a very good team.”

Bethel left a runner on in the first inning as Maddie Inman walked with one out, but the runner was stranded setting up a big opening inning for the Indians.

Newton scored early then loaded the bases on walks before Bees pitcher Sarah Casto walked in two runs to give the Indians a 3-0 lead. Maddie Weaver then drove in a fourth run on a fielders’ choice, giving the host team a 4-0 lead after one inning of play.

Bethel picked up their first hit of the game in the second inning when Maddie Castro singled, but was left on base with two outs when Heather Strumberger grounded back to the pitcher, keeping it a four-run deficit.

Newton added three more in the second inning, as the Bees started to watch this game get away from them. Cara Chaney walked to open the inning but was thrown out stealing by Megan Reittinger. Bailey Chaney was then hit by a pitch and Hailey Pack reached on an infield single. While both runners moved up on a double steal, Casey Tackett singled in a run, and later Kylie Fisher reached when her fly ball was errored which allowed another run to score, making it 7-0 after two.

Bethel finally scored in the third, which turned out to be their only run of the game. With one out, Grace Anthony singled, and later came into score when Becky Schwieterman lined a single to get the Bees on the board.

Newton scored another run in the third, and three more in the fourth, while Bethel picked up an infield single from Schweiterman in the fifth, but Reittinger grounded out to end the game in the middle of the fourth inning.

*Bethel also defeated Urbana last week 9-6.

*The Bethel Bees baseball team also played at Newton, and despite not collecting a hit in the game, the Bees earned a 1-0 victory over the Indians.