Softball Upsets No. 13/15 Michigan, 4-0, In Game Two – Ohio State Buckeyes
4/19/2003 12:00:00 AM | Softball
April 19, 2003
Box Score
COLUMBUS, Ohio – The Ohio State softball team (22-17; 3-5 Big Ten) upset No. 13/15 Michigan (30-9; 8-2 Big Ten), 4-0, Saturday in front of 682 people at Buckeye Field. Behind a solid defense and the consistency of Ohio State pitcher Katie Chain (Sr., North Canton, Ohio), the Buckeyes beat the Wolverines for the first time since April 22, 2001, and snapped Michigan’s 14-game win streak. Chain moved to 10-9 overall, while Michigan pitcher Nicole Motycka was credited with the loss and holds a 12-6 record on the year.
“Katie (Chain) and Annie (Dedic) executed our game plan and threw very well,” Linda Kalafatis, OSU head coach, said. “We’ve been talking about keeping our composure throughout the entire game. Winning teams win at the end of a game. Our girls stepped up today and did that against a great team.”
The first five innings were a defensive battle with neither team getting on the scoreboard. At the top of the sixth, Ohio State’s Meghan Rowlands’ (So., Hilliard, Ohio) single to left field marked OSU’s first hit of the day. Rowlands advanced to second off a sacrifice bunt by Liz Kacsanek (Sr., Uniontown, Ohio) before Karisa Evans (So., Franklin, Ohio) doubled to center field and brought Rowlands home.
The Buckeyes continued to challenge the Wolverines with strong offense. Jenn Link (Yorba Linda, Calif.) singled to centerfield, which advanced Evans to third. Kristine Himes (Sr., Bolivar, Ohio) reached first on a fielder’s choice and scored Evans before both Link and Himes advanced to second and third, respectively, on the throw. The third run of the inning came when catcher Annie Dedic (Sr., Yorba Linda, Calif.) singled to left field, sending Himes to third and allowing Link to score. Michigan brought in relief pitcher Jennie Ritter, but Ohio State’s stamina continued with Dedic stealing second, which created an opportunity for Himes to steal home. Michigan attempted to stop Dedic at second then proceeded to try to catch Himes at home, but Himes slid in to get the fourth run for the Buckeyes.
While Michigan tallied five total hits, they were unable to convert. The most productive offensive inning for Michigan followed Ohio State’s tear at the top of the sixth. With two outs, Tiffany Haas’ double and Meghan Doe’s single put runners at first and third, but Chain caught Melinda Moulden swinging to close the inning. A hit by Monica Schock at the bottom of the seventh would be the closest the Wolverines would get to catching the Buckeyes, however Ohio State proceeded to close the game with three consecutive outs.
Ohio State will take on the Michigan State Spartans in a doubleheader April 20 beginning at noon at Buckeye Field.
