By Cort Reynolds

LIMA__The fourth time was the charm when the visiting Bluffton High School softball team decisively defeated Lima Central Catholic 9-1 in a wet and muddy Northwest Conference makeup contest on Friday, May 8.

The three previous game dates between the league rivals were all rained out.

The Pirate girls scored a run in the second inning, then plated three more in the third to build a 4-0 lead. 

Both teams scored a run in the fourth frame. Determined to get the game in the official scorebook, Bluffton put the game out of reach with a four-run sixth inning before rain stopped play.

Pirate pitcher Peyton Worcester hurled all six innings to secure the win. She allowed just two hits and one earned run. She struck out 10 and walked two. 

Worcester aided her own cause as she slapped two singles, scored two runs and drove in a run. She also stole two bases.

The Pirates knocked out eight hits and drew seven walks, while the T-Birds collected just two hits and a pair of walks. Neither team was charged with an error.

Bluffton improved to 8-10 overall and 4-2 in the NWC with the decisive road win.

Lima Central Catholic fell to 3-14 overall and 0-7 in NWC play after the defeat.  

Pirate senior outfielder Macy Schaadt drove in four runs with two singles, and she scored twice to pace the Pirate offense.

Freshman Elana Navarro stroked two singles and scored a pair of runs, while drawing a walk.

Shortstop Greta Myers smacked an RBI single and scored a run. She was also hit by a pitch and stole a base. Tala Gipson delivered a two-run single and coaxed a walk. 

Evelyn Boyles walked, stole one base and scored a run. Cam Fruchey crossed home plate two times and swiped a base. Haelee Rayle drew a pair of walks.

Carolina Kill and Corie Schnieders each smacked a double to provide the two T-Bird hits. Schnieders drove in Kill with her two-base hit for their lone run.

LCC pitcher Sophia Hurley gave up nine earned runs on eight hits over six innings. She walked seven and struck out six.

The Pirates left six runners on base, while LCC stranded three.

Bluffton visits NWC rival Spencerville (3-12, 1-5 NWC) Saturday in a makeup game.

WP-Worcester   LP-Hurley

2B-Schnieders (L), Kill (L)