Newton Cardinals face tough losses at Brent Prange Classic
The Newton Cardinals opened their recent stretch at the Brent Prange Classic with a 17‑9 defeat against Waukee Northwest. The Iowa high school baseball tournament saw the Cardinals fall behind early, as Waukee Northwest erupted for seven runs in the fourth inning and added five more in the seventh. Newton managed to plate nine runs, but five defensive miscues proved costly.
A second loss followed against ADM, where the Cardinals were shut out after a 12‑2 final score. ADM struck first with four runs in the second inning and doubled that output in the fourth, while Newton could only answer with a pair of runs. Lane Rozendaal contributed two hits, a run and an RBI, but the opposition’s pitching limited the Cardinals’ rally attempts.
Offensive highlights and errors
The team then entered a doubleheader against Dallas Center‑Grimes, dropping both games by identical 14‑2 margins. The first contest ended with a no‑hit performance by DCG, as Cross Bandy led the offense with three hits, three runs and three RBIs. Pitchers Brady Smith and Derek Kraft combined for a no‑hitter, while Newton’s Dakota Winkleman took the loss after surrendering eight runs.
In the second game of the series, DCG’s dominance continued as Bandy again drove in three runs while adding three more hits. The Cardinals’ pitching staff struggled, with Jackson Riney allowing six earned runs in just 1 ⅓ innings. Despite the setbacks, several Newton players posted solid individual numbers, including Mason Mendez’s team‑leading 15 walks and Gabe Otto’s eight hit‑by‑pitches.
What’s next for the Cardinals?
Overall, the Cardinals sit at 12‑19 on the season and 6‑12 within the Little Hawkeye Conference, a record that reflects both the competitive schedule and the learning curve of a young roster. Players such as Dakota Winkleman, Lane Rozendaal, Drew Bauer and the emerging arms of Jackson Riney and Mason Mendez will look to build on their moments of production as the team moves forward.
Coach Landry Rausch and the senior staff remain focused on tightening the defense and capitalizing on the offensive spark that Winkleman and Rozendaal have shown. With several conference matchups still on the schedule, the Cardinals hope to translate their individual breakthroughs into more wins before the season concludes.