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)