The Bluffton Tigers will venture away from home to face off against the Heritage Patriots at 5:30 p.m. on Tuesday. Bluffton is strutting in with some hitting muscle as they've averaged 6.8 runs per game this season.
Bluffton came out on top against Northfield on Saturday thanks in part to the team's impressive six-run third inning. The Tigers' pitcher stepped up to hand the Norsemen an 11-0 shutout. The victory made it back-to-back wins for the Tigers.
Madyson Sonnigsen
| 05/10/25 vs Northfield | 8 |
| 05/06/25 vs Adams Central | 8 |
| 05/03/25 vs Daleville | 7 |
Madyson Sonnigsen was a major factor no matter where she played. On the mound, she didn't allow a single earned run and allowed only two hits while striking out eight over five innings pitched. She has been consistent recently: she hasn't tossed less than seven strikeouts in three consecutive appearances. She was also stellar in the batter's box, going 2-for-4 with one home run and two RBI.
In other batting news, the team relied heavily on Isabella Stout, who went 2-for-3 with two runs, two RBI, and one double. That's the most RBI she has posted since back in April. Another player making a difference was Konley Ault, who went a perfect 2-for-2 with one run, one double, and one RBI.
Bluffton kept the outfield on their toes and finished the game with 11 hits. They easily outclassed their opponents in that department as Northfield only managed two hits.
Meanwhile, Heritage gave up the first runs on Monday, but they didn't let that get them down. They sure made it a nail-biter, but they managed to escape with a 6-5 victory over Garrett. The Patriots haven't had any issues with the Railroaders recently, as the game was their third consecutive win against them.
Like Bluffton, Heritage also got a great game from a two-way player: Danica Fuller. She looked comfortable on the mound, striking out seven batters over seven innings while giving up four earned (and one unearned) runs off seven hits. Fuller was also big at the plate, going 2-for-4 with two RBI.
In other batting news, Lucy Buuck was incredible, going 2-for-4 with one home run and two runs. That home run marked the first that she has launched this season. Abriyah James was another key player, going 2-for-3 with one stolen base and one run.
Bluffton's victory was their third straight at home, which pushed their record up to 8-12. Those home wins came thanks in part to their pitching effort, having only surrendered 2.7 runs on average over those games. As for Heritage, their record is now 13-6.
Tuesday's game will be a test for both teams' pitchers. Bluffton hasn't had any issues making contact this season, having earned a batting average of .339. However, it's not like Heritage struggles in that department as they've averaged .340. With both teams so capable at the plate, fans should be ready for an impressive hitting performance.
Bluffton suffered a grim 10-0 defeat to Heritage in their previous matchup back in May of 2024. Can the Tigers avenge their loss or is history doomed to repeat itself? We'll find out soon enough.
