Ohio State Softball: Drama Unfolds in Illinois Doubleheader
COLUMBUS, Ohio – No. 21 Ohio State encountered a mixed bag of results during their Friday doubleheader against Illinois, losing the opener 9-5 but bouncing back for a stellar 2-0 victory in the second game. With this performance, the Buckeyes now boast an impressive 42-11-1 overall record and a 15-6 mark in Big Ten play, heading into the final game of the regular season.
Ohio State’s Resilient Response
In the second game, Lorin Boutte showcased her brilliance on the mound, delivering a complete game shutout. Her efforts pushed her season record to 19-8. Support came through for Boutte, notably from Hailey Lang, who delivered a solo home run, and Hadley Parisien, who contributed with a timely run-scoring hit. The Buckeyes adeptly navigated the Illini lineup, successfully employing double plays to stymie potential scoring threats in both the fourth and sixth innings.
Game One: Illinois 9, Ohio State 5 – A Rollercoaster of Emotion
Early Struggles: The Illini started strongly, loading the bases twice during the second inning and scoring on an RBI single and an infield pop-up, leading to an early 2-0 advantage.
Buckeyes Strike Back: In a thrilling third inning, Ohio State responded vigorously, scoring four runs powered by a jaw-dropping three-run home run from Kami Kortokrax—her 18th of the season and fifth in five games.
Illinois Regains Control: Despite Ohio State’s surge, the Illini quickly countered as Pagie Berkmeyer hit a grand slam in the fourth inning, reclaiming the lead at 6-4.
- Final Blow: The sixth inning saw Delaney Mosley add to Illinois’s tally with a two-run home run, securing a commanding 9-5 finale.
Game Two: Ohio State 2, Illinois 0 – The Comeback
Strategic Scoring: The Buckeyes capitalized on a couple of walks and a sacrifice bunt to advance runners. They struck first with a run from a fielder’s choice that brought Sami Bewick home.
Lang’s Long Ball: Hailey Lang amplified Ohio State’s lead with a solo home run in the fourth inning, marking her second of the season.
Defensive Excellence: Boutte maintained her momentum on the mound, navigating through five hits with the assistance of two late-game double plays to secure the shutout.
- Kortokrax’s Standout Day: Kortokrax had an exceptional performance, ending the game 2-for-3 with two doubles, solidifying her prolific day at the plate with a home run, two doubles, and three RBIs.
Buckeye Highlights and Milestones
Record-Breaking Double: Notably, Morgan Frye achieved a momentous milestone—her double in the first game set a new single-season record with 92 doubles, surpassing the previous record held since 2002.
Boutte’s Remarkable Rookie Season: With 19 wins this year, Boutte is on the verge of tying the freshman record of 21 wins, set by Melanie Nichols in 2010.
- Multi-Sport Talent: The day also marked the debut of Leah Sax from the women’s lacrosse team, who stepped in as a pinch runner, showcasing the depth of talent within Ohio State athletics.
Looking Ahead
The Buckeyes will look to clinch the series in the decisive third game on Saturday, set for 1 p.m. Fans can follow along with live stats available on Ohio State Buckeyes and catch the action on B1G+ streaming.
Stay tuned as Ohio State seeks to close out the season with momentum, and as always, Go Buckeyes!
