March 19, 2012
Box Score
CHARLESTON, S.C. - Ohio Softball completed its participation at the 2012 Charleston Southern Tournament on Monday, falling by a final score of 8-1 to the host Buccaneers. The final game of the tournament, initially scheduled for Sunday afternoon, was changed to Monday due to inclement weather in the Charleston area.
The Bobcats finished the tournament with a 1-3 mark and are currently 9-12 on the season. Kaylin Clarke (North Royalton, Ohio) picked up the loss on Monday and currently has a 2-3 record on the year. The freshman started the game very well, only allowing two runs in the first five innings. Charleston Southern's bats came alive in the bottom of the sixth, however, as the Buccaneers were able to bring six runs around in their final offensive frame.
Ohio got the scoring started in the top of the third inning. Jillian Van Wagnen (Lorain, Ohio) stepped up to the plate and deftly dropped a bunt single to get on base. She then alertly worked her way to second base on an error by the pitcher. Classmate Alexis Joseph (Alvin, Texas) drove her in on the next play by singling to center field. Joseph worked her way around to third base but was not driven in at the end of the half inning.
Charleston Southern (13-13) found its first runs of the day in the bottom of the third inning, benefiting from a Megan Lombard home run to left field. The blast also drove in Melanie Stickney to make it 2-1 in favor of the Buccaneers.
Clarke stepped up during the next two innings, retiring six of the next eight batters to keep her team within striking range. The freshman finished with three strikeouts on the day and has now amassed 16 so far this season.
Ohio ran into some trouble in the bottom of the sixth frame when Charleston Southern collected four hits and was able to score six runs. Ari Tedesco crossed the plate first on a wild pitch and was followed shortly thereafter by Hannah Wagner and Stephanie Sbardella, who were able to score after a single and an error. A double by Lombard drove in another run before a Courtney Konyk single drove in two more to make it 8-1.
Ohio 1, Charleston Southern 8
WP: Morgan Dowdy (9-6)
LP: Kaylin Clarke (2-3)
HR: Megan Lombard
Ohio prepares for a quick turnaround and will be back in action on Tuesday, March 20. The Bobcats will take on Western Carolina in Cullowhee, North Carolina in a doubleheader beginning at 3 p.m. Stay tuned to OhioBobcats.com for live stats and a recap of the action.
