By Cort Reynolds

The Bluffton High School baseball team knocked off visiting Riverdale 9-3 in a non-conference contest Friday evening, May 5.

The Pirates improved to 10-9 overall with the win. The Falcons fell to 14-4 after the defeat.

The game was scoreless for the first two innings.

The Falcons tallied a run in the top of the third to take the lead briefly. Bluffton responded with four scores in the home third to go ahead for good, 4-1.

Riverdale inched within 4-3 with two runs in the top of the fourth frame. But the Pirates answered with three runs in the home fourth to take a commanding 7-3 lead.

Bluffton tacked on two insurance runs in the home sixth to put the game out of reach.

First baseman Jacob Granger drove in three runs on two hits, and scored one run. Center fielder Braeden Jordan scored twice and drove in two runs with a pair of singles and a steal.

Shortstop Quinn Eachus and Landen Worcester each hit an RBII single. Daniel Fredritz added a hit and two runs. Brody Anderson scored a run and singled. Kerry Wright contributed a hit, one RBI and scored two runs with one stolen base.

Winning pitcher Gavin Bogart hurled the first five and one third innings. He scattered six hits and allowed two earned runs. He struck out two Falcons and walked none.

Bogart also singled and scored a run to aid his own cause.

Fredritz recorded the final five outs without giving up a hit. He struck out one Falcon in relief.

The Pirates out-hit Riverdale, 10-6. Bluffton left six runners on base, while the Falcons stranded seven. 

The Pirates made three errors compared to two miscues by Riverdale. 

Bluffton entertains Pandora-Gilboa (4-14) for a doubleheader Saturday.

The Pirates then play at Columbus Grove (16-5, 4-2 NWC) Tuesday, May 9 in the NWC finale.

123 456 7 R H E

Rdl 001 200 0 3 6 2

Blf 004 302 x 9 10 3

WP-Bogart LP-Furr

2B-Anderson (B), Reiter (R)