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Michigan Takes B1G Opener From Ohio State – Ohio State Buckeyes
3/21/2015 12:00:00 AM | Softball
March 21, 2015
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COLUMBUS, Ohio– Despite a solo home run in the bottom of the first by senior Taylor Watkins, the Ohio State softball team dropped a 13-1 decision to No. 4 Michigan in the Big Ten opener at Buckeye Field. OSU is now 13-10 on the season while Michigan improves to 26-4.
Watkins gave the Buckeyes a 1-0 lead when he belted a 1-1 pitch by Megan Betsa over the center field fence. For the native of Tucson, Ariz., it was her third home run and 15th RBI of the season. Watkins also increased her career home run total to 18, good for a tie for eighth place on the all-time list. The next batter of the inning, Cammi Prantl, followed with a single, but the rally was quickly ended by Betsa thanks to a strikeout and pop out.
Kelsey Susalla gave the Wolverines the lead for good on a two-run home in the top of the second and Michigan was able to push across three more run in the top of the third via a three-run home run by Aidan Faulk. Michigan upped its lead to 6-1 in the fourth inning when a bases loaded walk scored Sierra Lawrence. In the top of the seventh, Michigan struck for seven runs on five hits and one Ohio State error.
At the plate, Caitlin Conrad went 2-for-3 to up her season average to .369. She now had a team-high 10 multi-hit games and has reached base safely in 12 consecutive contests. In the circle, three pitchers saw action – starter Olivia O’Reilly, Shelby Hursh and Lena Springer. O’Reilly struck out three in 3.1 innings.
Ohio State’s series with the Wolverines continues tomorrow at Buckeye Field. First pitch is slated for 2 p.m.
