Eric Boggs
Ohio State wrapped up its longest homestand of the season in dominant fashion, capping off an 11-game stretch with a commanding 12-1, five-inning victory over Youngstown State on Wednesday afternoon. The Buckeyes, who recently climbed to No. 25 in the NFCA national rankings, now boast a 22-6-1 record, while the Penguins dropped to 4-22.
The Buckeyes showcased their offensive firepower once again, with eight different players recording hits. Morgan Frye delivered a stellar performance, going 2-for-2 with two doubles, while Hadley Parisien and Kami Kortokrax both launched home runs. This latest victory marks Ohio State’s 17th win in its last 20 games, further solidifying the team’s status as a powerhouse in collegiate softball.
Ohio State wasted no time asserting control, exploding for eight runs in the first inning. A bases-loaded walk by Jasmyn Burns, a ground ball from Reagan Milliken, and back-to-back RBI doubles from Kaitlyn Farley and Frye set the stage before Parisien crushed a three-run homer to cap off the frame. Although Youngstown State managed to scratch across a run in the second, the Buckeyes quickly responded. Kortokrax ignited the offense again in the third inning with a solo shot over the right field wall, followed by another RBI double from Frye. Cadyn Ruffer added a triple, extending Ohio State’s lead to 11-1. In the fourth, Skylar Limon led off with a triple and later scored on a groundout by Sami Bewick, putting the game further out of reach.
On the mound, Kassandra Gewecke continued her impressive season, earning her second win of the week to improve to 4-0. She pitched four innings, allowing just one run on four hits while striking out one. Layna Gerhard closed the game in the fifth, striking out two batters without allowing a baserunner.
The Buckeyes’ offensive numbers during their homestand were nothing short of spectacular. Parisien batted .500 from the leadoff spot, scoring a team-high 20 runs. Burns hit .484 and tied Milliken for the team lead with 16 RBIs. As a team, Ohio State slugged an impressive 29 home runs and maintained a .375 batting average. Gewecke and Lorin Boutte each notched three pitching wins, with Gewecke allowing just one earned run in 15.1 innings.
A day prior, the Buckeyes overpowered Green Bay in a 10-0, three-inning run-rule victory. Ohio State’s offense ignited early, tallying three runs in the first, three more in the second, and four in the third. Kortokrax and Farley homered, while Burns continued her hot streak with a two-run blast—her 10th of the season. Gewecke was untouchable in the circle, tossing five scoreless innings while striking out three. The Buckeyes’ offense remains a juggernaut, having homered in 21 of their last 22 games and ranking among the nation’s top three in slugging percentage, home runs, and home runs per game.
Ohio State now turns its focus to conference play as it heads to East Lansing for a three-game weekend series against Michigan State. The Buckeyes and Spartans last met in a regular-season series in 2022, with Ohio State holding a 12-4 advantage in their last 16 matchups. Michigan State, currently 9-12, is coming off a 7-5 win over Oakland and a 1-3 start to Big Ten play.
With an offense that ranks among the nation’s best and a pitching staff that continues to deliver clutch performances, Ohio State is poised to make a deep run in Big Ten competition. The Buckeyes’ next test begins Friday at 5 p.m., followed by games on Saturday and Sunday, all of which will be streamed live on B1G+. Buckeye Nation will be watching as this red-hot squad looks to continue its dominance and strengthen its bid for postseason success.
