BUCYRUS — Galion softball is two years removed from back-to-back regional appearances in the state tournament.

After losing last year to the pandemic, most of the players on those teams have graduated, putting the Lady Tigers in a major rebuild.

Playing Bucyrus on Saturday highlighted that situation.

The Lady Redmen put 17 runs on the board in the first inning, then cruised to a 19-4 victory at Jack Hewitt Field.

“We have players who haven’t played since fourth grade. We’ve got a girl who’s never played before in her life,” Galion coach Doug Hunt said. “We’re trying to make something work with that or out of that.”

A veteran Bucyrus team took advantage of the inexperienced Tigers. Emma McGuire, the starting pitcher for Galion (0-6), struggled with control. She walked 10 batters in the first inning as the Redmen batted around more than twice, sending 22 batters to the plate in the first.

“Our girls played a little harder and worked harder on a day like this,” Bucyrus coach Jerry Hargis said. “We were a little smarter than we have been in the past and that’s what we’re learning as hitters.”

The Redmen parlayed the 10 free passes with eight hits off McGuire and her reliever, Dakota Barnes, along three Galion errors into the 17 runs.

Bucyrus starter Ashley Davis, who had survived a bases-loaded with one out jam in the top of the first, was able to virtually cruise from there.

“Once you get (that far) behind, it’s hard to catch up,” Hunt said. “(McGuire) put it all on the field. She gave it her level best.”

The Tigers broke through in the third when Emily McDonald doubled, went to third on a wild pitch and scored on an error. They added three in the fourth on a pair of singles by McGuire and Rylan Keinath and a triple from McDonald.

Bucyrus got two more in the third on a double by Addy Rister, a single Davis and walks by Haley Dye and Caleigh Rister.

“We’ve got a way to go but we took a step,” Hargis said. “We tried to use this like a practice, find where the strike zone is.”

McDonald led the Tigers with a double and triple, scored two runs and drove in a pair. Ava Ball, Maddie Tinch, Phoenix Cole, Barnes and Keinath all singled.

“There were definitely bright spots,” Hunt said. “We have a great group of girls. You couldn’t ask for a better group of girls and they’re putting their best play out there.”

Addy Rister, Davis, and Sierra Frost each had two hits for Bucyrus. Caleigh Rister, Jade Torres, Faith Schifer, Dye, and Natalie Hankins each had a single. Davis went the distance on the mound, striking out six while walking two and being touched for seven hits.

Hargis was happy to be able to get all his subs in the game.

“That’s the thing. We’ve got kids who come to practice every day and don’t get to see much action,” Hargis said. “It always feels good when you get them on the field. They feel even better, and I feel better about it.”

In the meantime, Galion will continue to try to improve.

“The girls are working hard. They’re really working hard,” Hunt said. “They’re starting to come together as a team. I’m really excited for them.”

Box score

Galion      001 30X X         4     7     3

Bucyrus   (17)02 0X X   19   11    2

WP: Ashley Davis (6 SO, 2 W)

LP: Emma McGuire (1 K, 10 W)

HR: None .

Triples: (G) Emily McDonald.

Doubles: (G) Emily McDonald; (B) Addy Rister.

Multiple hits: (G) Emily McDonald; (B) Addy Rister, Ashley Davis, Sierra Frost.

Records: Galion 0-6; Bucyrus 4-1.

Next: Marion Harding at Galion, Tuesday; Ridgedale at Bucyrus, Monday.