By Cort Reynolds
BLUFFTON - The Bluffton softball team led early but fell to McComb Monday evening in its season lidlifter, 12-1.

McComb plated seven runs in the sixth inning to break open a 5-1 battle and post a run-rule victory in six frames.

Lauren Swartzwalder smacked a run-scoring double in the first inning to pace the Pirates to an early 1-0 lead. But McComb answered with four runs in the second frame to take control.

McComb pitching and defense then held Bluffton scoreless over the final five frames. The visitors out-hit Bluffton, 12-5.

Ashley Fleece, Kennedi Jordan, Dyllan Worcester and Lauren "Skippy" Rhodes each added a single for Bluffton.

Panther Olivia Miehls smacked a double, two singles and drove in a pair of runs to pace the victors. Emma Downs hit two singles and knocked home a pair of runs.

Layla Pitz contributed a double, single and one RBI for the visitors. Malorie Schroeder also collected two hits and one run batted in. Kayla Frater added two singles for McComb.

    123    456    7    R        H        E 
McC     040    017    x    12    12    2    
Blu    100     000    x    1    5    2
WP-Jayden Wittenmyer     LP-Grace Myers(0-1)
2B-Swartwalder (B), Miehls (M), Pitz (M)        
The Lady Pirates (0-1) will play March 30 at Carey and April 1 at Ottawa-Glandorf.

Bluffton (0-1) plays at Carey March 30.