By Cort Reynolds

BLUFFTON__The Bluffton High School softball team lost 10-4 to visiting Columbus Grove in a Northwest Conference battle on Thursday, May 7.

The Bulldogs led 3-1 after an eventful first inning. CG then scored two runs in the second inning. 

The Pirates tallied single runs in the third and fourth frames, but Grove plated four big runs in the fourth to lead 9-3.

Both teams added one run in the seventh inning.

Each team rapped out 13 hits. Bluffton made three errors which led to two unearned runs.

Bluffton fell to 7-10 overall and 3-2 in the NWC with the defeat. 

CG improved to 8-12 and 3-4 in NWC action after the road win.

Pirate senior outfielder Macy Schaadt doubled, hit a single, scored two runs, walked once and drove in a run. She also stole two bases.

Catcher Karleigh Davis and shortstop Greta Myers both stroked two singles. Myers also drew a walk, stole one base and drove in one run. Evelyn Boyles and Tala Gipson each hit a single.

Center fielder Jessa Swank singled, coaxed a walk and scored one run. Cam Fruchey hit a single.

Pirate pitcher Peyton Worcester hurled all seven innings to take the loss. She scattered 13 hits and three walks to allow eight earned runs. She struck out three Bulldogs. Worcester also smacked two singles, drew a walk and scored one run.

CG committed a pair of miscues that led to one unearned run.

Winning pitcher Dakota Dunn also hit two singles, scored a run and had one RBI. She scattered 13 hits and four walks over seven innings, but only allowed three earned runs. She struck out four.

CG shortstop Hannah Brodwolf smacked four singles and scored twice. Center fielder Saige Benroth hit a double, singled and drove in three runs while scoring twice. Left fielder Caidynce Schnipke contributed two hits, one walk and a run.

The Pirates left 10 runners on base, while CG stranded seven. 

Bluffton (3-2 Northwest Conference) is slated to play at league foe Lima Central Catholic (3-13, 0-6 NWC) Friday, then visit NWC rival Spencerville (3-12, 1-5 NWC) Saturday.

WP-Dunn LP-Worcester    

2B-Schaadt (B), Benroth (CG)