By Murray Gleffe
Correspondent

DE PERE – The Bay Port softball team has been perfect through 10 games.

In the latest rendition April 25, the Pirates defeated De Pere 12-2 in five innings.

“We lost only two seniors from last year’s team,” Bay Port Head Coach Amber Francour said. “We stress the importance of being good teammates. The girls are meshing as each knows what their role is and how to contribute to a successful program.”

On a cold and blustery afternoon at De Pere High School, the Pirates were hot from the onset.

Mady Wolfgram led off the game with a walk, and Maggie Luedke advanced on a bunt.

Alexis Watson powered both runners home with a single to center and a 2-0 lead.

Callie Dickie followed with a single to right before the Redbirds made consecutive throwing errors in the infield, allowing two more runs to score.

When the dust had settled, Bay Port tacked on three more runs to take a 7-0 lead after half an inning.

“We talk about discipline at the plate,” Francour said. “I was proud of how the girls approached their at-bats from the get-go.”

In the bottom of the first, Olivia Baugnet and Marissa Destache had back-to-back hits for De Pere.

Baugnet eventually tagged up from third and scored to put the Redbirds on the board.

Both defenses settled in, as outs came quicker.

Lauren Polfuss relieved Baugnet on the mound after 2 2/3 innings.

The teams exchanged runs in the third, as Bay Port increased its lead to 8-2.

In the fourth inning, Bay Port’s Jacki Szelagowski ripped a ball that went right into the glove of Polfuss on the mound

In the final inning, the Pirates showed why they are currently a top team in the state.

They cranked out five hits and scored four runs for a 12-2 advantage, putting the 10-run mercy rule in play.

Watson slammed the door on extending the game for De Pere by striking out Mollie Shaver to end the game.

“(Watson) has been pitching well for us all year,” Francour said. “She’s clutch and finds her groove.”

Bay Port will try to keep its perfect season on the line when it travels to Sheboygan North this afternoon, while De Pere travels to Manitowoc Lincoln.

“We focus on one game at a time,” Francour said. “You never know who’s going to come to play. This is a good conference.”