By Cort Reynolds

BLUFFTON__The Bluffton High School softball team pitched and hit well to knock off visiting Northwest Conference rival Delphos Jefferson 7-3 on Thursday, April 16.

Bluffton scored all seven runs in their final three at bats to pull off the upset. The Pirates fell behind 2-1 heading into the bottom of the fifth when their bats came alive.

Bluffton scored three runs in the home fifth to take a 4-2 lead. A three-run sixth extended their cushion to 7-2. DJ pushed one run across in the top of the seventh, but came up four runs short.

“Our defense was pretty solid with a few minor slip-ups, but they didn’t lead to anything,” said Pirate head coach Brad Prater. “The bats showed up, as the stats show. Freshman Evie Boyles had her first varsity home run. 

“After the McComb game we had a real hard discussion on our bats and not swinging them,” he continued. ”We came out tonight aggressive and more disciplined, and it showed.” 

The Pirate girls improved to 3-6 overall and 2-0 in the NWC with the home win. Delphos Jefferson dropped to 10-5 and 2-1 in NWC play after the loss.

Winning pitcher Peyton Worcester singled and scored two runs to aid her own cause. Worcester hurled all seven innings, scattering nine hits. She gave up just two earned runs and four walks while striking out eight Wildcats.

“Peyton on the mound had another stellar game,” Prater noted. “After our practice last night, she had a pitching lesson to clean things up a bit and it showed. DJ is a good hitting team, and Peyton worked the zone good. Not many hard hit balls off their bats.”

Pirate freshman third sacker Evelyn Boyles smacked a two-run home run to lead the late charge.

Senior left fielder Macy Schaadt doubled, hit two singles, scored a run, stole one base and had one RBI to help pace the victorious offense. Junior shortstop Greta Myers singled in a run and walked once. Catcher Karleigh Davis roped a single and scored a run.

Bluffton freshman second baseman Elana Navarro singled, drew a walk and scored one run. 

Haelee Rayle doubled and had one RBI. Right fielder Tala Gipson singled and scored a run, while Camryn Fruchey hit a single.

Claire Brinkman took the loss for Delphos. She allowed a dozen hits and four earned runs. She walked three and whiffed six. 

Bluffton out-hit DJ 12-9 and slugged three extra base hits. The Wildcats swatted three two-baggers. The Panthers left eight runners on base, while Bluffton stranded eight as well.

Lee and Muller each doubled and hit a single for DJ. Basinger singled twice and stole two bases.

The Pirate girls are slated to host solid non-conference rival Miller City (7-4) on Friday.

WP-Worcester LP-Brinkman

2B-Schaadt (B), Rayle (B), Lee (DJ), Mueller (DJ), Gable (DJ)

HR-Boyles (B)