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ATHENS, Ohio – The Ohio softball team (30-20, 20-8 MAC) returned to action Saturday afternoon (May 6), splitting their doubleheader against Buffalo (13-36, 7-18 MAC). Ohio dropped game one of the doubleheader 5-3, before a walkoff home run gave the Bobcats the game two victory, 5-3.
GAME ONE: Buffalo 5, Ohio 3
Overall, Ohio scored three runs on six hits, while Buffalo scored five runs on four hits and committed one error.
Individually, the Bobcats were led by sophomore
Emma Hoffner (New Stanton, Pa.) with two runs on two hits and one RBI. Junior
Sydney Grein (Mokena, Ill.) earned one RBI and had one run, while freshman
Shelby Westler (Marion, Ohio) recorded an RBI.
In the circle, redshirt freshman
Skipp Miller (Bradford, Ohio) got the start, pitching 5.2 innings, allowing five runs on four hits, while walking five and striking out five. Freshman
Keegan Moore (South Point, Ohio) pitched 1.1 innings, allowing no runs on no hits, while walking one and striking out three.
After a scoreless first three innings, the Bobcats were first on the board after an impressive fourth inning. Hoffner was first to score with a crushed a solo home run over left field fence. Two batters later, Grein doubled the lead with Ohio's second solo home run of the inning, giving Ohio a 2-0 lead.
Buffalo's offense ignited in the fifth. The Bulls hit a grand slam to take their first lead of the day, taking a 4-2 lead. Buffalo expanded their lead with one run in the sixth. The Bobcats quickly answered to cut into the lead. Westler reached on a fielder's choice to earn her an RBI, cutting the Ohio deficit to 5-3.
Unable to score again, the Bobcats fell to the Bulls 5-3.
GAME TWO: Ohio 5, Buffalo 3
Overall, Ohio scored five runs on eight hits, while Buffalo scored three runs on five hits and committed one error.
Individually, junior
Yasmine Logan (Pittsburgh, Pa.) hit the walk off home run, recording three RBI and one run on two hits. Senior
Kaci Branch (Villa Park, Calif.) and Westler each earned one RBI and had one hit.
Graduate student
Kylie Coffelt (Beloit, Ohio) got the start in the circle, pitching the entire game and allowing three runs on five hits and recorded a career-high eight strikeouts.
The Bobcats opened the scoring in game two. Westler continued her strong day at the plate with a single to right, driving junior
Annalia Paoli (Point Marion, Pa.) across home plate. Buffalo evened the game at one in the fifth with an RBI double.
Ohio's offense took off in the bottom of the seventh. Forced to score, the Bobcats answered. With a player in scoring position, Branch singled to right, driving in sophomore
CiCi Keidel (Hilliard, Ohio) to get the Bobcats within one run. Logan crushed the first pitch she saw over the left field fence, a three-run walk off for the Bobcats giving them the game two win.
UP NEXT
Up next, the Bobcats look to win the series against Buffalo as they conclude the regular season on senior day tomorrow, May 7. First pitch is set for 11:30 a.m. ET. Senior Day festivities will begin at 11 a.m. And with a win, the Bobcats can clinch a share of the 2023 Regular Season Championship.
#OUohyeah
