By Cort Reynolds
The Ada High School baseball team led 2-0 heading to the last inning, but gave up three two-out runs to lose a 3-2 heartbreaker to local rival Bluffton Thursday, April 14, on a cool, windy evening at War Memorial Park.
Ada fell to 2-5 and 0-2 in the Northwest Conference with the tough defeat. Bluffton improved to 2-5 and 1-0 in the NWC after the comeback win.
Bulldog senior hurler Kadin Phipps took a no-hit shutout into the seventh inning as Ada clung to a 2-0 lead.
A leadoff double to left-center field by Pirate sophomore Jacob Granger started the final Bluffton at bat. 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.
Needing one out to clinch the league win, Bulldog junior Roman Snyder was called into the windy contest in relief to face sophomore Braeden Jordan. His 3-2 pitch sailed just outside to force in the tying run on a crucial walk.
Freshman Quinn Eachus then hit a hard ground ball to third base. In a hurry to field the ball and step on third to record the force-out, the Bulldog infielder misplayed the ball and allowed the third Bluffton run to score without a hit.
Snyder got out of the jam without further damage on a called third strike whiff. But the Pirates had rallied with three two-out runs to seize 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 which 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. But two runners were left on after a groundout ended the inning.
The Pirates then came back with the three runs on their lone hit, three walks and an error.
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)
Ada is scheduled to play at Hardin County foe Ridgemont Friday, April 15.
