By Cort Reynolds
RAWSON - The visiting Bluffton baseball team jumped out to an early lead and staved off a late rally to defeat local rival Cory-Rawson 13-10 in non-league play Friday evening.
The Pirates led 6-0 early and extended the margin to 13-5 after five frames. C-R tallied five runs in the sixth and seventh innings to inch within three, but could get no closer.
Freshman-laden Bluffton improved to 1-24 with their first win, while Cory-Rawson dropped to 5-16 with the defeat.
Bluffton out-hit C-R 8-7, drew nine walks and swiped 13 bases.
Freshman center fielder Braeden Jordan hit two singles, scored three runs and stole five bases to ignite the Pirate offense from the leadoff spot in the order.
Freshman catcher Kerry Wright singled twice, scored four runs, had one RBI and walked twice. He also stole four bases.
Freshman first baseman Jacob Granger drove in four runs with a hit and a sacrifice fly. Senior left fielder Adam Friedritz singled, walked twice, scored three runs and had one hit.
Freshman Daniel Friedritz earned the pitching win with six innings of five-hit hurling. He struck out three, walked three and allowed five earned runs. He threw 61 strikes in 120 pitches.
Daniel Friedritz also aided his own cause by slugging a two-run double.
Freshman Garret Bogart drove in two runs and earned a save, tossing 13 strikes in 22 pitches. Sophomore right fielder Jaden Coonfare added an RBI sacrifice fly.
Bluffton left seven runners on base, while C-R stranded 10. The Pirates committed three errors, and the Hornets were guilty of two misplays.
Blake Boehm doubled and took the pitching defeat for C-R. Hornet leadoff hitter Mstt White singled three times, scored three runs, drove in two and stole three bases.
123 456 7 R H E
Blu 240 340 0 13 8 3
C-R 010 403 2 10 7 2
WP-D. Friedritz LP-Boehm
Save-Bogart
2B-D. Friedritz (B), Boehm (CR)
Bluffton visits Elmwood in Div. III sectional play May 19.
