By Cort Reynolds

MT. BLANCHARD__The visiting Bluffton High School softball team used a first inning eruption to defeat non-conference rival Riverdale 9-4 on Tuesday, April 28.

The Pirates jumped ahead with eight big runs in the top of the first inning. The Falcons battled back within 8-4 after three frames.  

Neither team scored in the fourth through sixth innings. Bluffton tacked on one run in the seventh. Pirate pitching and defense held the Falcons scoreless in the final four frames.  

The Pirates were narrowly out-hit by Riverdale, 13-12. Bluffton committed three errors, while the Falcons played errorless defense.

Bluffton improved to 6-8 overall with the road victory. The Falcons fell to 7-7 after the defeat.

Winning pitcher Haelee Rayle earned the victory with five innings of strong relief hurling. She allowed no earned runs and seven hits. She walked one and struck out two.

Rayle aided her own cause by stroking a double and two singles. She collected two runs batted in and scored a run. 

Peyton Worcester started and pitched two innings. She gave up six hits and three earned runs with four strikeouts and one walk.

At the plate, Worcester hit three singles and walked once. She drove in two runs, stole two bases and scored twice.

Bluffton senior Macy Schaadt slapped a run-scoring single, scored a run and drew a walk. Pirate second baseman Elana Navarro singled twice, stole two bases and had one RBI.

Catcher Karleigh Davis singled and scored a run. Cam Fruchey singled, drew a walk and scored a run. Tala Gipson singled in two runs. 

Pirate freshman third baseman Evelyn Boyles scored one run and had one RBI. 

Kemerley and Furr each rapped out three singles for the Falcons. Karcher contributed two hits and two steals. 

Losing pitcher Addi Manns singled home two runs. She scattered 12 hits and allowed nine earned runs. She walked three and whiffed one.

The Pirates left eight runners on base, while Riverdale stranded 12.  

Bluffton (3-0 NWC) hosts tough league co-leader Lincolnview (12-4, 3-0 NWC) Thursday in a showdown for first place. The Lancers knocked off a 15-3 Ada squad 10-0 Saturday behind ace pitcher Isla Hughes.

They are slated to host Arlington in a doubleheader Saturday.

WP-Worcester   LP-Manns 

2B-Rayle (B)