Sports
Ohio Drops a Close One to Kent State
By: Matt Summers
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Savannah Jo Dorsey pitched an absolute gem of a game on Wednesday, throwing a career-high 22 strikeouts through 11 innings. But a lone solo shot from Kent State proved to be the difference as Ohio (26-11, 7-5) fell 1-0.
Dorsey did everything one could ask of a pitcher from striking out the side, to getting out of bases loaded jams, which ensured the Bobcats were never out of striking distance. However, the bats never came alive for them. They put together just seven hits and failed to string the momentum needed to put them on the scoreboard.
This was a back-and-forth match with Dorsey leading the way against the Golden Flashes.
Perhaps the most controversial play was a ball hit by Morgan Geno, who smashed one to center field. The ball hit off the top of the fence, bouncing back into the field due to a net behind the fence in what was ruled a ground-rule double. Coach Jodi Hermanek argued the call with no avail.
One of the best chances Ohio had to put the game away was in the bottom of the eighth inning.
Taylor Saxton and Deanna Cole led off with hard hit grounders to Kent State’s shortstop who bobbled the ball, resulting in runners on first and second base with no outs. It felt like the Bobcats were going to finally push a run across home plate and earn a walk-off victory. Ronnie Ladines instead would strike out the next three Ohio batters, preventing the green and white from breaking the 0-all tie.
The two teams would go back and forth in the ninth, making solid plays but failing to register any points. It took two extra innings for a score to be earned and it wouldn’t go in the Bobcats favor.
In the top of the 11th inning, Kent State’s Bailey Brownfield hit a home run off Dorsey’s pitch, putting the Flashes up 1-0 going into the bottom of the inning.
Ohio failed to respond to Kent’s homer and ended the night with a 1-0 loss.
Natalie Alvarez went 2-for-4 while Geno was 2-for-5 with a double. Alexa Holland would add a hit and walk and Saxton and Cole would all record base hits for the Bobcats.
Ohio looks to use this experience as a boost of motivation headed into this weekend. They are currently in a double-header against Akron.