BLUFFTON 7, ANDERSON 6

 

The Beaver bats came out ready for action in game one as Bluffton put up a five-spot in the first inning. The inning began with junior left fielder TORRIE WILSON (Delphos/Jefferson) ripping a line drive to the left field fence for a lead-off double. Back-to-back infield singles by junior TIFFANY BUCKMASTER (Lima) and sophomore CHELSIE OSBORNE (Chillicothe/Waverly) plated the first run for the Beavers. After a BROOKE BABCOCK (Findlay) sacrifice bunt, a walk loaded the bases for Bluffton. One out later, senior JAYME MARBAUGH (Ohio City/Parkway) hit a grand slam to left field, spotting the Beavers a 5-0 lead in the bottom of the first.

 

The early innings went quietly for Anderson as senior pitcher Brooke Babcock shut down the Anderson offense, only giving up one run on two hits through the first five frames. Meanwhile, Bluffton added to their commanding lead by plating a run in the bottom of the third when Brooke Babcock helped herself with a bomb to center field. The Beavers also tacked on a run in the bottom of the fifth on a single by JESSICA MCDONALD (Mechanicsburg) through the left side that scored Chelsie Osborne, putting the Beavers up 7-1 heading into the sixth inning.

 

The Beavers then had to survive the Ravens' offense in the final two innings. In the top of the sixth, a fielding error and a walk put two runners on with no outs. A sharp drive to right center by STEPHANIE ATKINS reached the fence and plated two runs for the Ravens. Another fielding error later in the inning brought Atkins in to cut the deficit to 7-4.

 

The Beavers also had fits trying to get Raven hitters out in the top of the seventh inning. D j  vu struck when two errors put runners on first and second for the Ravens. Stephanie Atkins once again hit a double to right center field, plating both base runners and cutting the Beavers' lead to one run. However, Brooke Babcock shut the door on the comeback attempt as she struck out ELLEN THOMPSON looking.

 

Chelsie Osborne went 2-of-3 with two runs. Marbaugh's homer drove in four runs. Babcock improved to 8-9 on the season with the complete game victory. She allowed six runs, only one earned, on four hits in seven innings of work.

 

ANDERSON 5, BLUFFTON 4 (8 INNINGS)

 

Anderson started off with the fortune in game two as they scored first on a triple by MEGAN KRUSE in the second inning, giving the Ravens a 1-0 lead. Bluffton fired back in the bottom of the third on a single by Tiffany Buckmaster that drove in freshman SHELBY WADE(Delaware/Buckeye Valley), tying the game at one. The next run did not score until Anderson regained the lead in the top of the fifth inning as Kruse scored on an error, making the game 2-1 Anderson.

 

As the Beavers entered the bottom of the seventh inning they trailed by one run. Senior Jayme Marbaugh reached on dropped fly ball by the left fielder that allowed her to advance to second base. Jessica McDonald followed with a double to left center field that tied the game at two with Marbaugh scoring a crucial run for the Beavers. Bluffton was hopeful after Shelby Wade singled to center field, advancing Jessica McDonald to third base. The next batter, sophomore MEAGAN PRICE (Toledo/Springfield), was intentionally walked after Wade stole second base. However, with the outfield at the edge of the grass, Anderson shut the door on the Beavers by striking out the next two batters and getting the final out on a pop up.

 

The game was then sent into extra innings as the Beavers took the field in the top of the eighth. The international tiebreaker rule was in effect for the game, which means the last batter of the last inning for each team goes to second base to begin the inning. Anderson attempted a sacrifice bunt with the first batter but the runner legged out a single, putting runners on first and third with no outs. The fielding struggles from game one continued for Bluffton as an error plated a run, putting Anderson up 3-2. The Beavers gave up two more runs, allowing the Ravens to take a 5-2 lead going into the bottom of the eighth inning.

 

A one-out walk to EMILY MANAHAN (Columbus/Bishop Watterson) put two runners on and brought Jayme Marbaugh to the plate. A sharp grounder over the third base bag scored two runs for the Beavers, making the score 5-4. The rally would fall short for the Beavers as a fielder's choice and a fly out ended the hopes of a comeback for Bluffton with the bases loaded.

 

Bluffton's offense seemed to be more potent than it was for the majority of the game, putting up nine hits, three walks, and two stolen bases. However, the lack of runs for the Beavers was the result of Anderson's defense, which turned four double plays often shutting down promising scoring situations.

 

Osborne and Wade both collected two hits for Bluffton. Marbaugh drove in two runs. Freshman STEVIE CUTTITTA (Columbiaville, Mich./Clio) took the loss (7-6) after giving up five runs, just two earned, in 7.1 innings on the mound. She gave up 10 hits and fanned four batters with only one walk.