The Blue Earth Area Buccaneers softball team suffered three tough one-run losses last week.

St. James 6, BEA 5

The Bucs lost 6-5 to the Saints in a 10 inning game on Friday, May 1.

“We hit the ball much better in this game than we have in a while,” Coach Bob Hanson said. “We could have had even more hits, but St. James made some spectacular catches in the field.

BEA did have 14 hits. Alicia Rorman and Cali Rauenhorst were both 3 for 5. Hayley Pirsig was 2 for 5, and Bridget Moore was 2 for 6.

Maddie McDonald pitched for the Bucs, getting 11 strike outs and walking only one batter.

St. Peter 2, BEA 1

The Bucs hosted the St. Peter Saints on Tuesday at the 14th Street Ball fields, and lost 2-1.

“We only had three hits, and that hurt us,” Coach Hanson said. “We couldn’t get a base runner in the final innings.“

Bridget Moore, Alicia Rorman and Mary Johnson each had a hit for the Bucs.

Maddie McDonald was the pitcher, and she allowed two walks while striking out eight.

“It was a real pitchers’ duel,” Hanson said. “The St. Peter pitcher had one walk and also struck out eight.“

This was the second time the Bucs faced the Saints, and both times they suffered a 2-1 loss.

New Ulm 1, BEA 0

“This game was a real heartbreaker,” Coach Hanson said.

The Bucs lost 1-0 to the Eagles in New Ulm on Thursday night in nine innings.

“They are the No. 1 team in the conference and have been rated No. 1 in Class 2A,” Hanson said. “We had our chance to beat a very good team.“

Maddie McDonald was again the pitcher for BEA and had an outstanding game. She allowed five hits, but issued only one base on balls, and struck out 10 New Ulm batters.

The Bucs only came up with two hits. Bridget Moore was 1 for 4 and Shelby Pearson was 1 for 3.

“It was a great game, on defense and on the pitcher’s mound,” Hanson said. “Unfortunately, we couldn’t get the win.”

It was the fifth time the Bucs have lost a game by one run, and the third time it has happened in extra innings.

BEA’s overall record is now 6-9, and they are 3-6 in the conference.

This week the Bucs host Fairmont on Friday for their last game of the regular season.