By Cort Reynolds

CAREY__The visiting Bluffton High School softball team lost a 17-9 non-conference slugfest to Carey on a wet Friday, April 10.

Bluffton led 3-1 after two innings, but the Blue Devils took a 4-3 lead after a three-run third. The Pirates regained the edge 5-4 with two runs in the fourth, yet Carey responded with two in the home half to take the advantage back.

Bluffton tied it 6-6 with a run in the fifth, but Carey blew it open for good with an eight-run home fifth. Each team scored three runs in the sixth frame.

The teams combined for 39 hits in the seesaw offensive battle, with the Pirates smacking 19 hits.

The Pirate girls dropped to 2-3 overall with the road defeat. 

“I know the box score I just sent you doesn't show it, but we played pretty solid and fought hard all the way until a few gap shots and walks turned the fifth inning a disaster,” said Pirate head coach Brad Prater. “We have to become mentally tougher in those situations.” 

Bluffton hurler Haelee Rayle knocked in three runs with two hits. She started in the circle and allowed 12 hits and six earned runs with two walks and one strikeout over three innings. She also walked once and scored twice.

Pirate Peyton Worcester relieved and pitched the rest of the game. She gave up 11 runs on eight hits and eight walks, and struck out two. Worcester also hit two singles and scored a run with one RBI.

Bluffton senior Macy Schaadt collected two hits and two runs. Junior shortstop Greta Myers smacked three singles apiece and drove in a run.

Catcher Karleigh Davis slapped two singles, stole four bases, drove in three runs and scored twice while drawing two walks.

Freshman second sacker Elana Navarro roped three singles and scored two runs. Fellow Freshman Evelyn Boyles ripped a double and two singles, knocked in a run and scored once.

Tala Gipson delivered a two-run single and stole two bases. First baseman Camryn Fruchey added a single.

Blue Devil Andrea Bouillon cranked four doubles, scored five runs and drove in two runs. She also coaxed one walk.

Bluffton drew only one walk. The Devils stole eight bases, three by Bouillon.

Carey left six runners on base, while Bluffton stranded four.

The Pirate girls host Liberty-Benton (4-4) in a doubleheader Saturday at 11 a.m.

WP-Luhring LP-Worcester

2B-Boyles (B), Harsanje (C), Bouillon 4 (C )