Sports
Softball Drops Series to #12 Kentucky
By: Andrew Hohman, Kellen Becoats
Posted on:
Saturday
While many were “festing” Saturday, Ohio softball had a doubleheader against its hardest opponent of the season.
The Bobcats traveled to Lexington to take on Kentucky and tried to avenge the two losses that the Wildcats inflicted on Ohio in last year’s NCAA Regionals.
But the Bobcats were unable to inact that revenge, falling twice to No. 12 Kentucky, first 2-7, then 6-4.
Both games looked winnable from an Ohio (5-15) standpoint.
Game one started well, but ended poorly, as two Ohio runs was far from enough to compete with the vibrant Wildcat (18-5) offense.
The Bobcats were the first to strike, getting an RBI single from senior Sloan Walker.
But Kentucky was quickly back upon them, registering at least one run in each ensuing inning after the second. Ohio managed to score another run in the top of the third to tie score at 2-all, but the Wildcats’ offense was too good on the day, putting seven past Lauren McClary and Sydney Compston
Game two started particularly well, with the Bobcats holding a 4-0 win going into the bottom of the fifth. That was exactly when the Wildcats chose to pounce. A two-run homer, coupled with an error leading to a score and a single that brought two runs in put Kentucky up 5-4.
Ohio tried to respond — which showed by two batters striking out swinging and another pop fly that ended the ensuing inning — but the Wildcats were able to stay ahead, even scoring another run, to solidify the win.
Sunday
Kaylin Clarke was the first Ohio pitcher to retire Kentucky batter Maisie Steed as Steed struck out in the sixth inning.
Unfortunately for the Bobcats, two runs had been given up that inning, and Steed had already done plenty of damage by then.
Ohio’s inability to hold back Steed and respond on offense led to a 6-0 loss Sunday, which saw the Bobcats drop their last game of the weekend series.
Steed’s first three at bats resulted in a solo home run, a two-RBI single and an RBI double. She was the only player with an RBI in the first five innings.
Ohio’s offense couldn’t keep the Bobcats in the game, as Steed had as many hits as the entire Ohio team. The Bobcats started and ended the game going down 1-2-3.
When Ohio did get runners on base, it couldn’t take the spark and find something to show for on offense
In the third inning, Timmie Rappe led off with a triple down the right field line. The top of the order came, but all three went down.
Ohio gave up six or more runs in all three of its games against the Wildcats this weekend, but hung with them in the first two.