By Cort Reynolds
The Bluffton High School baseball team beat visiting Perry 4-1 in a non-conference game Wednesday evening, May 3.
The Pirates improved to 9-8 overall with the victory. The Commodores fell to 3-11 after the defeat.
Bluffton led 1-0 after the second inning and never trailed. The Pirates tacked on a run in the home third to build their lead to 2-0.
Perry halved their deficit with a run in the top of the sixth, but Bluffton responded with two runs in the bottom of the sixth to go in front 4-1.
The Pirates shut Perry out in the seventh to preserve the three-run win.
Braeden Jordan hurled the first 4 1/3 innings of shutout baseball to earn the victory. He struck out seven and walked one while allowing just two hits.
Brody Anderson relieved in the fifth and hurled the final 2 2/3 innings to get the save. He struck out three, walked two and allowed one earned run on two hits.
Pirate Braeden Jordan also collected a hit, a walk and one stolen base. Shortstop Quinn Eachus singled home one run.
Center fielder Landen Worcester compiled two runs, a hit and a walk. Third baseman Evan Speicher added a single. Second baseman Gavin Bogart singled and knocked in a run. Outfielder Garret Bogart scored a run.
Losing pitcher Hunter Scott and Commodore first baseman Brady Mulholland both doubled for Perry. Scott scored the lone Perry run on an RBI single by Braylon Ardner.
The Pirates out-hit the Commodores, 6-4. Bluffton swiped three bases and left five runners on base.
The Pirates made no errors compared to two miscues by Perry. The Commodores also left five runners on base.
Bluffton (4-2 NWC) hosts local rival Allen East (5-5, 2-3 NWC) Thursday. The Pirates are slated to host non-league foe Riverdale (13-3) Friday, then welcome Pandora-Gilboa (4-13) for a twinbill Saturday.
The Pirates then play at Columbus Grove (15-4, 3-2 NWC) Tuesday, May 9 in the NWC finale.
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 R H E
Per 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 1 4 2
Blf 0 1 1 0 0 2 x 4 6 0
WP-B. Jordan LP-Scott
2B-Scott (P), Mulholland (P)
