By Cort Reynolds
Playing in Ada, the Bluffton High School baseball team scored three two-out runs in the seventh inning to pull off a 3-2 comeback win over local rival Ada on the cool, windy evening of April 14.
Bluffton improved to 2-5 and 1-0 in the Northwest Conference after the improbable rally victory.
Ada dropped to 2-5 and 0-2 in the NWC with the difficult-to-swallow defeat.
Bulldog senior hurler Kadin Phipps took a no-hit shutout into the seventh inning as Ada clung to a 2-0 lead.
Pirate sophomore Jacob Granger stroked a leadoff double to left-center field to ignite Bluffton seventh inning rally. But two walks, a groundout and a strikeout advanced Ada one out from victory.
Pirate freshman Brody Anderson drew a bases-loaded walk as the wind kicked up mightily to cut the Ada lead to 2-1.
Bulldog junior Roman Snyder came on in relief to face Pirate sophomore Braeden Jordan. A 3-2 pitch sailed just outside to force in the tying run on another walk.
Freshman Quinn Eachus then hit a hard ground ball to third base. In a hurry to field the ball and step on third for the force-out, the Bulldog third sacker bobbled the ball and allowed the third Bluffton run to score.
Snyder got out of the jam without further runs on a called third strike. But the Pirates had rallied to do damage with three two-out runs and took the lead.
In the bottom of the seventh, Phipps drew a two-out walk. Junior Zach Neiswander then hit a hard drive to center field, but it was caught to end the game.
Ada scored a run in the home first, then held onto that lead into the sixth frame. Max Puerto doubled in the Bulldog sixth and Levi Green walked as Ada extended its advantage to 2-0.
The Pirates then came back with the three runs on their lone hit, three walks and an error.
Sophomore Pirate hurler Kerry Wright earned the pitching victory.
123 456 7 R H E
Blu 000 000 3 3 1 0
Ada 000 001 0 2 8 2
WP-Wright LP-Phipps
2B-Granger (B), Puerto (A)
Bluffton is scheduled to host Miller City Friday, then entertain perennial NWC powerhouse Crestview Monday, April 18.
