Eric Boggs
The Ohio State softball team closed out a six-game home-opening stretch on Wednesday afternoon with a hard-fought 3-2 victory over Notre Dame. A mix of early offensive execution and clutch defensive plays helped the Buckeyes improve to 18-5-1 on the season, while the Fighting Irish dropped to 11-13.
Ohio State’s six-game homestand ended on a high note, as the Buckeyes posted a 5-1 record with four run-rule victories, setting the stage for a crucial Big Ten opener against Nebraska this weekend.
The Buckeyes wasted no time asserting themselves, striking in the first inning with a pair of runs. Jasmyn Burns delivered an RBI double, followed by a productive groundout from Kaitlyn Farley that brought another run home. Notre Dame answered in the second with a solo home run by Olivia Levitt, trimming Ohio State’s lead to 2-1.
Morgan Frye added to the Buckeyes’ lead in the fourth inning with a solo shot of her own, her fourth home run of the season and second in the last three games. However, the Fighting Irish kept the pressure on, responding in the fifth with a two-out, pinch-hit RBI single that cut the lead to 3-2.
Enter Lorin Boutté. With a runner on base and momentum shifting, the sophomore pitcher stepped into the circle and extinguished the threat, maintaining the Buckeyes’ slim lead. From there, the Ohio State defense took over, making game-saving plays in the final innings. The highlight came in the seventh when a masterful double play, executed by Sami Bewick, Kaitlyn Farley, and Kami Kortokrax, combined with a diving grab from Skylar Limon, sealed the victory.
Kennedy Kay notched her fifth win of the season after throwing 4.2 innings, allowing two runs, and striking out one. Boutté earned her first save of the year, tossing 2.1 scoreless innings in relief.
Beyond Wednesday’s contest, the Buckeyes continue to shine on the national stage. Burns and Milliken are among the country’s elite, ranking in the top 15 in multiple statistical categories. Burns stands at fifth nationally in home runs and second in slugging percentage, while Milliken ranks in the top 15 in RBI per game. Over the last six games, Burns has been on fire, batting .588 with seven extra-base hits and eight RBI. Meanwhile, Milliken leads the team with nine RBI over that stretch.
Ohio State’s pitching duo of Kay and Boutté has been equally impressive, combining for 26 of the team’s 34 innings over the homestand while maintaining a 1.88 ERA.
Now, all eyes turn to Big Ten play as the Buckeyes prepare for a pivotal series against Nebraska. The Cornhuskers arrive in Columbus boasting a 19-6 record and riding a six-game winning streak. Their most recent victory, a walk-off win over South Dakota State, highlights their resilience. The first two games of the series will count toward conference standings, while the third will be played as a non-conference matchup.
With momentum on their side, the Buckeyes are primed for the challenge. Fans can catch the action live at Buckeye Field or stream the games on B1G+.
