Daily Reporter staff reports
PENDELTON — With sole possession of first place in the Hoosier Heritage Conference on the line, the New Palestine Dragons found themselves in a game where the only runs scored were via home run.
That suits the Dragons just fine. With sole possession of first place in the Hoosier Heritage Conference on the line, the Class 3A No. 1 Dragons traveled to Pendleton Heights for a game against the No. 4-ranked team in Class 4A.
The Dragons hit three homers in the game to the Arabians’ one, picking up a big conference win, 4-1. It was New Palestine’s 21st straight conference victory dating back to April 2016.
Kendal Calvert and Emily O’Connor each hit solo shots in the third inning, giving the Dragons a lead they wouldn’t relinquish. Raegan Hiatt added a two-run home run an inning later, the final runs of the game.
Kaylea Bullock out-dueled Pendleton Heights’ star pitcher Jordan Benefiel. Each pitched a complete game, with Bullock getting the win with a season-high 10 strikeouts. Benefiel struck out six.
The win moves New Palestine to 14-1 overall and 4-0 in the HHC. The Arabians are now 13-3 and 1-1 in the HHC. The Dragons are back in action tonight against county rival Greenfield-Central.
