By Cort Reynolds

Playing athome, the Bluffton High School baseball team beat visiting Leipsic 7-0 in a Northwest Conference game Thursday evening, April 20.

The Pirates improved to 6-6 overall and 3-1 in the NWC with the victory. The Vikings dropped to 4-6 overall and 3-2 in the NWC after the defeat.

Bluffton led 1-0 after the first inning. The game remained that way until the fourth when the Pirates scored another run. Bluffton then blew the game open with a five-run fifth frame.

Tyler Cupples pitched a complete-game three-hit shutout to lead Bluffton. He struck out one and walked none.

Braden Jordan collected two hits, two steals, a run and one RBI.

Jebsen led the Pirates offense with three hits, two stolen bases and two runs. Landen Worcester amassed a hit, one run and one RBI.

The Pirates out-hit the Vikings, 10-3. Bluffton swiped six bases and left 11 runners on base.

The Pirates were slated to host Upper Scioto Valley (2-7) Friday, but it was rained out. Bluffton plays at Elmwood Saturday at 10 a.m., weather permitting.

Bluffton then resumes league play at defending state runner-up Lincolnview Monday, April 24.

       123 456 7 R     H       E

LEIPSIC   000 000 0 0 3 1 

BLUFFTON  100 150 x 7 10 1

WP-Cupples LP-Camareno

2B-E. Zeisloft (L)