By Cort Reynolds

BLUFFTON__The Bluffton High School baseball team soundly defeated visiting Northwest Conference rival Delphos Jefferson 13-4 in a league game on Thursday, April 16.

The Pirates plated seven runs in a decisive second inning explosion. DJ edged within 7-4, but the hosts pushed four runs across the plate in the fourth frame to regain control, 11-4.

The Pirates tacked on two runs in the home fifth inning to win by nine. Rain stopped play, but the teams managed to get in an official game.

Bluffton improved to 1-3-1 overall and 1-1 in NWC play with the home league win. 

Delphos Jefferson fell to 1-8 overall and 0-3 in the NWC with the loss.

“It was nice to get our first win of the season,” said Pirate head coach Jason Granger. “We are still making too many mistakes, but it was good to see some improvement at the plate tonight. Jagger Crawfis worked hard on the mound and did a nice job of working out of a few jams.”

Pirate catcher Dylan Painter batted 3-3 with three runs batted in and a walk. Second baseman Parker Lovell doubled home a run, walked three times, scored three runs and stole a base.

Left fielder William Hoover smacked a double, singled, scored three runs and collected three RBI. Robby Taylor scored two runs, while Jackson Bowlus drew a walk and scored a run.

Goings drove in two runs and scored once, while Blue added a run and one RBI.

“Parker Lovell and William Hoover are hitting well right now too,” said Granger.

Jagger Crawfis pitched all five innings of the shortened game to earn the win. He allowed four hits and only one earned run. He walked three and struck out five. 

The Pirates out-hit the Wildcats 8-4, and Bluffton drew seven walks. Bluffton made four errors that led to three unearned runs, while DJ made two miscues and gave up two unearned runs.

The Pirate home game vs. visiting Ottoville on Wednesday was rained out.

Bluffton is slated to host Miller City (7-2) on Friday.

WP-Crawfis

2B-Hoover (B), Lovell (B)