The Wauzeka-Steuben Hornets scored three runs in the sixth inning for a 6-3 win over the Ithaca Bulldogs in a Ridge and Valley Conference showdown at Ithaca Monday afternoon.

Kelsey Kapinus’ bases loaded single broke a 3-3 deadlock and scored all three runs in the sixth.

The Bulldogs took a 1-0 lead in the bottom of the first and retained it until Wauzeka-Steuben scored three runs in the fifth. Riley Crook’s two-run homer tied the game, 3-3, in the bottom of the fifth .

Whitney Marfilius was the winning pitcher while Alyssa Clary took the loss. Marfilius threw a five-hitter, fanning eight and walking four. Clary allowed six hits, struck out eight and walked one.

Crook walked, went to second on a passed ball and scored on Jessica Laue’s line single to center to give the Bullldogs the lead. 

Two errors, a walk and a hit enabled the Hornets to score three in the top of the fifth.

Maria Mueller walked and scored when Crook homered in the bottom of the fifth to tie the game.

“We hadn’t played in 11 days and we were a little rusty,” said coach Cockroft. The Bulldogs committed five errors. 

Wauzeka-Steuben took over sole possession of first place in the Ridge and Valley Conference. The Hornets notched their fourth straight win and improved to 5-0 in league play, 6-1 overall.

The loss ended Ithaca’s three-game win streak. The Bulldogs are 3-1 in the league and 3-2 overall after their scheduled game at DeSoto last week was postponed.