Buckeyes Comeback for 9-8 Win

By BRIAN KEATTS

BARUCH PLACE (Jume 11, 2010) - The Buckeyes emerged from a back and forth contest with a 9-8 victory over the Smashers (4-3) in a key divisional game. The win moves Ohio State to 4-3 and puts them in the thick of the playoff race.

The Smashers jumped on top 3-0 in the first inning as both fielders and hitters battled the glaring sun. OSU's defense settled down until the offense came alive in the bottom half of the 3rd inning. With one down and Amy West already on first base, Grace Sacro drew a key walk. Kevin Sheen followed with a shot that the Smashers couldn't handle, scoring West. Brian Keatts then walked to load the bases for Jim Sullivan, who lashed a double to drive home two. John McClafferty followed with an RBI sacrifice fly. Mike Green completed the scoring by drawing a bases loaded walk, giving Ohio State a 5-3 lead.

The Smashers made it 5-4 after 3 ½ innings, but the Buckeyes got the run back in the bottom half of the frame. Kevin Ma hit a lead off double and advanced to third on a sacrifice by West. Sheen came through with a big two out RBI single, extending the Buckeye lead to 6-4.

A defensive lapse in the 5th inning assisted the Smashers in plating 4 runs and taking an 8-6 lead. However, these Buckeyes were not deterred. OSU pulled off rare back-to-back triples to start the 5th inning, with John McClafferty and Andrew Vannata doing the honors, and Vannata taking advantage of a poor throw to third base to score and even the game. Claire McClafferty followed with a walk - one of nine Buckeye walks on the night. Claire used outstanding base running on a fielder's choice and sacrifice by Lisa Imel to advance to third - sliding into both second and third base. Ma slapped a single to drive home Claire and give Ohio State a 9-8 lead.

The defense took over from there. Solid pitching and fine fielding kept the Smashers scoreless over the final two innings and gave them the win. Ohio State returns to the field (or, blacktop as it were) on June 14th when they take on The Converse Allstars.