Rinker RBI lifts Jay

BERNE — The Patriots had their two-run lead slip away in the bottom of the third inning.

They went ahead for good a half inning later.

Maddy Rinker drove in the eventual game-winning run and the Patriots added a pair of insurance runs in the sixth inning to get a 5-2 victory against the South Adams Starfires on Tuesday in Allen County Athletic Conference play.

Jay County improves to 8-4 (1-1 ACAC), while South Adams dips to 7-7 (1-2 ACAC).

Olivia Bright singled to begin the fourth inning and reached second on an infield single from Riah Champ. After stealing third, Bright scored when Rinker bounced out to second base.

Bright doubled home a run in the sixth inning, and Haleigh Clayton knocked in another run on a double later in the frame.

Mady Fraley led the Patriot offense with three hits, including a home run, and a walk. Bright also finished with three hits and an RBI.

Clayton picked up the win, allowing two unearned runs on four hits. She struck out nine and issued one walk in the complete-game effort.



Best not enough

NEW HAVEN — The Jay County boys golf team had its best round of the season but it wasn’t enough as it finished second in a three-team match Monday at Whispering Creek Golf Club.

Heritage shot 156 to take first, with Jay County two strokes behind. Woodlan shot 193 for third.

Griffin Mann led the Patriots, shooting a 2-over-par 38, and Caleb DeRome was one stroke behind. Kyle Sanders shot 40, and Brock DeHoff completed the team score with his round of 41.

Simon Pryor also competed, but his 45 did not factor into the team total.



Rally comes up short

Seven runs over the last three innings wasn’t enough as the Jay County junior varsity softball team lost to South Adams on Monday, 14-12.

South Adams scored two or more runs in each of the first four innings for a 13-5 lead over the Patriots, before the home team staked its rally that eventually came up short.

Tricia Ison hit a three-run home run for the JCHS offense. Veronique Coppock ended her day 3-for-3 with a triple, while Makayla Brainerd hit a double, singled and knocked in three runs. Angel Clairday collected four RBIs on three hits.

Late runs sink Jay

Jay County’s junior varsity baseball team allowed two runs in the seventh inning and only got one back in a 5-4 loss to the South Adams Starfires on Tuesday.

Jay County (4-5) led 3-0 after the first inning before South Adams tied the game with three runs in the top of the fourth.

The Starfires broke the tie with two runs in the top of the seventh, and the Patriots had their rally come up short.

Ryne Goldwsorthy doubled on his way to a three-hit night for Jay County. He also knocked in a run. Kenny Carducci had two RBIs on one hit, while Christian Runkle, Jackson Edwards and Cody Rowles all had singles.



Boys third

PONETO — Jay County Junior High School’s boys track team took third Monday in the Southern Wells Relays.

Adam Alig had the best individual finish for the Patriots, placing second in shot put.

Gabe Pinkerton was third in both the 100- and 200-meter dash races. Joseph Boggs (1,600-meter run), Creed Beiswanger (800 run) and Alig (high jump) were also third in their respective events.

Chris Compton placed fourth in shot put and Joquin Johnson took fifth in discus.



JH golfers win

The Jay County junior high golf team opened its home schedule with a 133-158 victory against Winchester Driver on Monday in a six-hole match at Portland Golf Club.

Cody DeHoff led the Patriots with his round of 32, while Jacob Monroe was second with 33. Isaac Homan and Luke Fugiett each shot 34 to complete the team score.

Maddy Snow shot 38, but did not factor into the team total.