Bluffton is 0-10 against Norwell since May of 2015 but things could change on Thursday. The Tigers will host the Knights at 5:00 p.m. Expect the scorekeeper to be kept busy: if their previous games are any indication, these teams will really light up the scoreboard.
Bluffton's pitching crew heads into the matchup hoping to repeat the dominance they displayed on Saturday. Everything went their way against Northfield as they made off with an 11-0 win. For those keeping track at home, that's the biggest victory the Tigers have posted against the Norsemen since April 12, 2016.
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 while hitting and pitching. 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 nothing but reliable: she hasn't tossed less than seven strikeouts in three consecutive appearances. She was also big at the plate, going 2-for-4 with one home run and two RBI.
In other batting news, Isabella Stout was excellent, going 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 was getting hits left and right and finished the game having posted a batting average of .407. They are 6-3 when they post a batting average of .375 or better.
Norwell's found some homefield redemption this week after a overtime loss to DeKalb on Wednesday. The Knights walked away with a 12-9 win over Huntington North.
Like Bluffton, Norwell also got a great game from a two-way player: Kara Brown. She looked comfortable on the mound, tossing three innings while giving up just two earned runs off three hits. Brown was also stellar in the batter's box, going a perfect 3-for-3 with five RBI and one run.
In other batting news, the team relied heavily on Reese Frauhiger, who got on base in four of her five plate appearances with two stolen bases, three runs, and one RBI. Mia Kurtz was another key player, going 2-for-4 with one stolen base, one run, and one double.
Bluffton pushed their record up to 8-12 with the victory, which was their third straight at home. Those home wins came thanks in part to their pitching effort, having only surrendered 2.7 runs on average over those games. As for Norwell, their victory bumped their record up to 12-7.
Thursday's contest 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 Norwell struggles in that department as they've averaged .371. With both teams so capable at the plate, fans should be ready for an impressive hitting performance.
Bluffton came up short against Norwell in their previous meeting back in May of 2024, falling 7-2. Will the Tigers have more luck at home instead of on the road? Check MaxPreps after the match for a full breakdown of the game, commentary, and other softball content.
