Alston No-Hits St. Margaret’s, but Loses, 1-0

Junior right-hander Joe Alston pitched a no-hitter for Newport Christian High School Wednesday, but lost a 1-0 decision to St. Margaret’s in a Southern Section Small Schools wild-card playoff game at Tewinkle Park.

St. Margaret’s scored an unearned run in the fifth inning, and senior right-hander Eric Flather pitched a four-hit shutout to give the Tartans (11-8) their first-ever playoff win.

The game’s only run came in the fifth inning when, with two out, Chris Nietzel walked, stole second and third and scored when the Newport Christian catcher’s throw went off the glove of third baseman Jeff Tweddale and into foul territory.

Alston struck out eight and walked seven. Phil Bader went 2 for 3 for the Conquerors (7-9).