Newcastle’s Racer Fast-Pitch team has been on a winning streak since losing to Blanchard on September 16.
They won 12 games in a row, most recently beating Anadarko, 5-2, Mount St. Mary, 1-0, and Sulphur, 4-3, in the Regional Tournament. This gave Newcastle the title of Regional Champions.
Head Racer Coach Mike Crossley said, “I’m sure proud of the girls this past weekend. They knew we weren’t swinging as good, but they battled through and we won three close games.”
The Racers played in the Oklahoma Christian Festival over the weekend and tied Norman North.
Their recent success will be challenged, however, as they are scheduled to play Verdigris in the Super Regionals October 10-11 in a best two of three games.
Newcastle is now 26-9 on the year, while Verdigris is 24-3. Verdigris was named Regional Champion in a tournament against Sallisaw and Skiatook. They beat Sallisaw, 17-0, and then Skiatook in game one, 7-1. Their final game against Skiatook was 18-0.
“We’ll have to play better for Super Regionals,” Crossley said. “We’re capable of it. We are going to have to swing better than we did at Regionals.”
Crossley said the Racers are playing good and hopefully they can put a little pressure on Verdigris, too.
Newcastle shared a district with Blanchard this year. The Lions were 12-0 in district play, while the Racers ended 10-2.
The Oklahoma Fast Pitch Class 4A State Tournament is scheduled to be played October 17-19.
• photo by Lisa Smith-Longman Senior outfielder Amy Campbell makes the catch for the Newcastle Racers Fast-Pitch team.
