By BRIAN KEATTS
CENTRAL PARK (April 22, 2011) - Ohio State opened its 2011 campaign in Central Park in fine fashion, knocking of Edison by the score of 17-2. Though the Bucks welcomed several new faces to the squad, the result was one that OSU softball fans have become familiar with over the past decade.
After shutting down Edison in the top of the 1st, Ohio State took a lead they would not relinquish in the bottom half of the frame - thanks in part to some superior plate discipline. Andrew Vannata and Brian Keatts started off the inning with back-to-back walks (2 of 8 walks drawn by the Bucks on the evening). Both scored on a triple by Evan Binder. A Kevin Sheen sacrifice fly made it 3-0 OSU. The McClafferty's then reached base, via a single by John and a walk by Claire. Newcomer Carly Klingensmith, whom the Buckeyes drafted out of Macalester College in Minnesota this spring, completed the scoring with an RBI single.
Ohio State started the 2nd inning just like the 1st; this time it was new recruits Jeff "Funny Man" Kriesler and Jessica Brown who lead off the inning with back-to-back walks. Vannata reached base to load them, and took part in a scoring barrage courtesy of RBI hits by the likes of Binder, Sheen, Ethan Linen and Klingensmith. Newcomer Anne "If It Ain't Hoboken Don't Fix It" Teutschel (she hails from Hoboken) got into the act with her keen eye by drawing the ever difficult RBI walk. By the end of the inning Ohio State lead 11-0.
OSU allowed Edison two sympathy runs in the top of the 3rd inning, but that would be it for the evening. The Bucks got those runs back, and then some, in the bottom of the inning. Vannata hit a one out triple and scored on a fly ball by Keatts. Binder, Sheen, John McClafferty, Claire McClafferty and Linen ignited a hit parade with five singles in a row, extending the Buckeye lead to 17-2 after three innings. The mercy rule ended things when Edison went quietly in the top of the 5th inning.
It was a fine way to start the season for the Buckeyes. The competition is sure to increase in difficulty as the season wears on. Ohio State returns to the field on May 4th when they make their lone visit to Queens Vernon Blvd Field to take on K&L Gates.
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