Sports
Ohio secures 7-3 victory and series win over Central Michigan
By: Darayus Sethna
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ATHENS, Ohio (WOUB) — Outfielder Yasmine Logan caught the game-clinching flyout to complete Ohio’s 7-3 win in its series finale with Central Michigan on Sunday.
Facing an early 2-1 deficit, senior Sydney Grein stepped up to the plate in the bottom of the second inning. From there, Grein let her powerful swing to the talking with a solo home run into left field – tying the game at two runs apiece.
Little did fans know that Grein’s homer was just the appetizer to a magnificent main course in the very next inning.
Ohio’s offense went back out to work after pitcher Skipp Miller concluded the top of the third with back-to-back innings of not conceding a run. This time, it was junior catcher Emma Hoffner who had the honors.
Hoffner bunted the ball to send Lauren Yuhas from third base to home plate, giving Ohio a 3-2 advantage, its first of the afternoon.
The onslaught continued with another home run soon after. It was freshman Brenna Farmer who smashed the ball into right field that no one in Central Michigan’s outfield could contain.
And with that, the Bobcats created a three-run cushion with four innings left to play.
Hoffner and Hummel Handle Business Late
Hoffner returned for more in the bottom of the fifth – earning a double to send Yasmine Logan to home plate for the second time that afternoon.
With the lead at 6-2 in favor of Ohio, sophomore Belle Hummel looked to make her mark. She did so with a single into left field that gave Hoffner enough time to safely make it home and cap off her stellar afternoon.
A single from Central Michigan’s Lucy Cronin led to a run scored by Angela Petrovitch to cut the deficit to 7-3. But it was too little too late for Central Michigan as Ohio secured the victory.
Compliments from Coach Hall
The 35-minute lightning delay sent fans at the Ohio Softball Field rushing to find shelter and hoping to stay as dry as possible.
But for Ohio head coach Jenna Hall and her team, it was just another day at the office.
“[The team] is used to it … Thankfully I’ve got a group that just understands that that’s what it takes,” Hall said. “They don’t complain [and] they don’t say anything. They just know that’s part of the gig. I’m really proud that they stayed focused through all that.”
One of the players who stood out for Hall after Sunday’s game was Farmer – who finished the afternoon with a home run and two RBIs.
“Brenna [is] just a worker. She doesn’t get phased. I’m always impressed with her maturity as a freshman,” Hall said. “When you watch her, you wouldn’t think she’s a freshman.”
An aspect Hall believes is the key in determining her team’s success is their depth. One player who will be monumental in this scenario is Belle Hummel, who missed the first ten games of the regular season.
Despite Hummel’s early struggles, Hall credited her resilience that led to her making an impact on Sunday.
“It’s been great to have Belle come back around … She stepped up in her first at bat, but didn’t get the result. But she came in hacking, and that’s the most important thing,” Hall said.
Miller’s Magic Continues
Redshirt Sophomore pitcher Skipp Miller turned the tides of the match after conceding two runs in the opening inning.
In seven innings played, Miller finished with three strikeouts and allowed only five hits. She combined with 20 total strikeouts in this weekend’s three-game series against Central Michigan.
“I was just focusing pitch-by-pitch,” Miller said. “I think [this series win] is a big confidence booster.”
Coach Hall credited her strong chemistry with Miller that allowed her to dominate from the mound on Sunday.
“Her and I have really good communication during the game,” Hall said. “When she’s on like that, she becomes really tough to hit. I’m really proud of her continuing to fight and not giving into anything.”
With Saturday’s victory, Ohio improves to an overall record of 15-18 and 3-6 in MAC play.
Coach Hall and her team have a quick turnaround as they face Kent State (17-9, 3-1 MAC) for back-to-back games on Tuesday. The Golden Flashes are in second place in the MAC standings.
For coach Hall, a short recovery is just part of her job description.
“I feel like we’re back to who we want to be right now. I love this turn that we took in these three games. The vibe is in a good place,” Hall said. “The MAC is set up for really quick turnarounds … But with how confident [the team] seemed the last two days and how prepared we looked, I think we’re going to be able to make that turn and show up at Kent.”
First pitch is scheduled for 1 p.m. from the Devine Diamond in Kent.