By BRIAN KEATTS
EAST RIVER (September 30, 2008) – Ohio State came away with a thrilling 7-6 victory this evening over the CitiStars on picturesque evening by the water. The Bucks utilized some excellent play in the field and a 7th inning rally to seal the win.
The CitiStars jumped out to a 2-0 lead in the 1st inning, which would be short-lived. With one out in the top of the 2nd inning, John McClafferty – making a guest appearance in fall ball – lined a single and advanced to third base on a double by Andrew Vanetta. Jen Harbour came through in the clutch with a two out double to drive home both runners. It was the first of three hits for Harbour on the day.
Alicia Korney delivered her second quality start, keeping the CitiStars’ bats at bay. OSU grabbed the lead in the 4th inning, when Sam Rosner lead off with a single. He scored on an RBI double by substitute Doug Wrights, who then scored on a single by McClafferty, giving Ohio State a 4-2 advantage.
Korney continued to mow down hitters, aided by some fine fielding by the likes of Nick Ponder, Annie Heck and Kevin Ma. The Buckeyes extended their lead to 6-2 in the top of the 6th inning after scoring twice more. Brian Keatts lead off the inning with a single and took third base after Rosner reached on a fielding error. Dave Busick drove home Keatts with a deep sacrifice fly. Later in the inning, Rosner scored on a sacrifice fly by McClafferty.
The CitiStars mounted their only rally in the bottom of the 6th inning, scoring 4 times to tie the game, primarily on the strength of a three run homer. However, the Buckeyes showed their metal by scraping together a run in the top of the 7th inning.
Harbour singled with one out and reached second base when the CitiStars couldn’t field a Ma grounder. After a fielder’s choice by Heck left runners on first and second with two outs, Jackie Sunderland hit a hot shot that the CitiStars couldn’t handle, allowing an alert Ma to sprint home from second base. Ohio State assumed a 7-6 lead.
The Buckeyes made the lead stand up in the bottom half of the frame with some stellar defense. They got the leadoff hitter when Keatts made a diving stab at shortstop and threw out the runner from his knees. Harbour made the next put out at second base and Vanetta battled the twilight to snag the final out in right center.
Ohio State (1-1) looks to capitalize on their momentum when they take on The Stumble Inn next week at Colonel Charles Young playground.
