By Kim J. Harmon

As hard as it might have been to believe, especially after an 0-7 start, the CIAC state tournament was still within the realm of possibility for the Newtown High School baseball team when it stepped onto the Newtown Middle School field Monday afternoon to take on Stratford.

But a disappointing 5-1 loss to Stratford – in which the Nighthawks were limited to just two hits – made a trip to the state tournament an impossibility, dropping the locals to 5-13 overall.

Stratford, just 4-13 entering the game, scored two runs off Ron Isler (2-5) in the first inning and added three more in the top of the fifth. Ryan Tracey not only pitched a complete game but also doubled and drove in four runs to lead the Red Devils.

Tim LaPak – in only his second game of the season – drove in Newtown’s only run. On the mound, Isler scattered eight hits, walking three and striking out nine along the way.

The locals earned their fifth win of the season last Wednesday with a 7-3 decision over Weston. Isler picked up the win, combining with Pete Meisel on a seven-hitter. Ron Shimko and LaPak banged out three hits apiece and Ben Bagaglio drove in a pair of runs.

The ‘Hawks will close out the regular season this week with games against Pomperaug and New Fairfield.