By Cort Reynolds

BLUFFTON__The Bluffton High School softball team lost 8-2 to visiting non-conference rival Miller City on a hot Friday, April 17.

The Pirates tallied a run in the bottom of the first to take an early 1-0 lead. MC took the lead with two runs in the second, but Bluffton tied it 2-2 with a run in the home third.

The Wildcats then plated three runs in the top of the fourth to seize the lead for good. They added one run in the fifth, and tallied two insurance runs in the sixth to win by six.

Bluffton knocked out 13 hits to 15 by MC, but left seven runners on base and made four errors. The Wildcats stranded nine and played error-less defense.

The Pirate girls dropped to 3-7 overall with the home loss. MC improved to 8-4 after the win.

Losing pitcher Peyton Worcester paced the Pirate offense with three hits. Worcester hurled all seven innings, scattering 15 hits with seven earned runs. She walked three and struck out three.

Pirate freshman third sacker Evelyn Boyles collected two hits and a run batted in. Senior left fielder Macy Schaadt hit a triple and added single to her two runs.

First baseman Camryn Fruchey collected two singles.

Junior shortstop Greta Myers hit a single. Catcher Karleigh Davis had an RBI and walked.

Bluffton freshman second baseman Elana Navarro and Haelee Rayle each stroked a single. Right fielder Tala Gipson drew a walk.

Ruhe and Ellerbrock amassed three hits and one RBI apiece to pace the Wildcat offense. Palmer doubled for their lone extra base hit.

Winning pitcher Gilgenbach allowed 13 hits but only two earned runs. She struck out four and walked two in seven innings.

WP-Gilgenbach LP- Worcester  

2B-Palmer (MC)

3B- Schaadt (B)