COLUMBUS, Ohio - The Bluffton University softball team dropped both ends of a twin-bill at Capital University on a beautiful Friday, March 14, 2025. The Beavers slipped to 6-8 overall, while Capital evened up its season mark at 4-4.
Mia McCartney (North Baltimore) crossed the dish courtesy of a Capital wild pitch in the second inning and her double to right center in the third plated Kaylee Grant (Lima/Shawnee) for a 2-1 Bluffton lead.
Sophomore Taryn Hampton (Fostoria/Hopewell Louden) picked up Reagen O'Brien (Bellbrook) with an infield single and senior Kayleigh Michael (Eaton/National Trail) made it 4-3 Bluffton in the fourth when she crossed the dish on sophomore Ella McCombs' ground ball to third base.
The visitors were six outs away from a victory in game one when the Comets erupted with four runs in the home sixth. Capital pounded out five hits and took advantage of a Bluffton error to rally for a 7-4 win in the lidlifter.
Hampton, McCartney and O'Brien notched the only Beaver hits in game one.
Freshman hurler Grace Gronberg (Danville) stands 2-4 after allowing seven runs, four earned, on 10 hits in six innings of work. She struck out three and did not allow a walk.
Capital jumped on top 4-0 in the bottom of the first despite just two hits for the home team. The Comets took advantage of two walks and a hit batter to open the game.
Doubles by Grant and Riley Hammonds (Russia) followed by a Hampton sacrifice fly made it 4-2 in favor of Capital, but the Comets tacked on five runs in the third, putting the Beavers in a 9-2 hole.
Grant launched a three-run bomb in the top of the fifth, however, darkness took over as the Beavers were on the wrong end of a 9-5 decision when the game was called following Bluffton's turn at the plate.
Leading the Bluffton offense, Grant was a perfect 3-of-3 with three RBI and two runs scored.
Colleen Meese (Rocky River) took the loss after surrendering six runs on four hits with three walks in two innings. She is now 2-1 in the circle.
Bluffton will be back on the road next Thursday, March 20, when the Beavers travel to Wilmington for a non-conference doubleheader. Game one is slated for 3:30 p.m.
-BEAVERS-