By Cort Reynolds

BLUFFTON__The Bluffton High School softball team raced to a big early lead and whipped visiting Arlington 13-3 in a non-league game on a cold, damp Saturday, May 2.

Due to the inclement conditions, the scheduled doubleheader was reduced to one game.

The Pirates tallied five runs in the bottom of the first frame and never trailed. One run in the third, and three more Pirate scores in the fourth extended their lead to 9-1.

The Red Devils scored twice in the top of the fifth frame to edge within six. But Bluffton’s four-run home fifth invoked the 10-run mercy rule.

Pirate pitcher Haelee Rayle hurled all five innings to earn the win. She scattered seven hits and allowed two earned runs. She struck out four and walked three.

Bluffton improved to 7-9 overall with the home win. 

Senior outfielder Macy Schaadt doubled, singled, walked twice and scored three runs to pace the victorious offense.

Junior shortstop Greta Myers walked two times and scored three runs.

Right fielder Tala Gipson smacked two singles. Freshman third baseman Evelyn Boyles hit a single, scored two runs and swiped two bases.

Center fielder Jessa Swank singled home two runs and drew a walk. Freshman catcher Elana Navarro singled and stole a base. Cam Fruchey walked, stole a base and scored one run.

Alexis Mummert hit a double and scored a run, while Maddie Sterrett singled and scored once. Avery Boehm delivered a two-run single and drew a walk.

Schaadt and Myers each added a swipe to give the Pirates six steals.

The Pirates out-hit the Red Devils, 10-7. Bluffton made two errors that led to one unearned run. Arlington committed no miscues.

Losing pitcher Velazquez gave up 10 hits, eight walks and 12 earned runs.

The Pirates left seven runners on base, while Arlington stranded six. 

Bluffton (3-1 NWC) is slated to play at league foe Spencerville (3-10, 1-4 NWC) on Monday, May 4.

WP-Worcester   LP-Velazquez

2B-Schaadt (B), Mummert (B)