By Cort Reynolds

McCOMB__The visiting Bluffton softball team fell victim to a late surge and lost 10-3 to McComb Tuesday, April 10, in a non-league contest.

The Pirates dropped to 0-2 with the loss, while the Panther girls improved to 2-2 after the home win.

Bluffton plated single runs in each of the second and third innings to build an early 2-0 lead.

McComb took a 3-2 edge with three runs in the home fourth. The Pirates tied it 3-3 by pushing across a run in the top of the fifth frame, but then the hosts pulled away.

The Panthers tallied two runs in the fifth to break the tie and go on top, 5-3. The hosts then poured it on with five runs in the home sixth to post the seven-run win.

Lauren Bassett led the Pirate offense with three singles and two runs batted in. Leadoff batter Ashley Fleece and Danielle Cross each hit two singles and scored a run.

Faith Maple and Emma Green added a single apiece, and Karleigh Davis scored a run. Olivia Hobensack drew all three Pirate walks.

McComb out-hit Bluffton, 12-9. McCullough unloaded a three-run home run for the Panthers. Shellenbarger and Hassan also stroked RBI doubles for the winning hosts. 

Halee Rayle pitched all six innings for the Pirates. She scattered 12 hits and allowed nine earned runs. Raylee walked three.

The Pirates left eight runners on base, while McComb stranded seven. Bluffton committed three errors, while the Panthers were guilty of two miscues. 

Bluffton (0-0 NWC) is slated to host Delphos Jefferson (5-3, 1-1 NWC) Thursday in their league lidlifter. 

The Pirate girls visit local rival Ada (6-2, 0-0 NWC) in another conference tilt Monday, April 15.  

          1 2 3    4 5 6    7    R   H  E

BLU   0 1 1   0 1 0    0     3   9   3

McC   0 0 0   3 2 5    x    10 12  2

WP-Rader LP-Rayle

2B-Shellenbarger (M), Hassan (M)

HR-McCullough (M)