Ohio (31-12, 14-4 Mid-American Conference) defeated Miami (26-22, 15-7 MAC) by a score of 7-6. With the Senior Day win, Ohio completes the series sweep of Miami.
The first inning started strong for Ohio, as it didn’t allow Miami to get on the board. Redshirt junior pitcher Skipp Miller, along with Ohio’s fielding, got three outs instantly. Ohio quickly set the pace with 2 runs in the bottom of the first inning from senior infielder Lauren Yuhas and senior outfielder CiCi Keidel.
“They have that extra motivation, that extra passion, said Ohio’s coach Jenna Hall. We talked about letting passion be the motivator and not forgetting what it takes us.”
Both innings two and three went scoreless, becoming much more of a pitcher's duel, but in the fourth inning, Ohio was able to get another 2 runs on the board with a homer from junior infielder Shelby Westler, who also sent freshman infielder Abby Kennelly to home plate. Ohio was also able to get another score and a stolen base from junior outfielder Belle Hummel, which gave even more cushion to the score.
“We talked about not being satisfied and we knew that Madilyn Reeves was probably going to start this game," said Hall. "We need to adjust and not assume that it’s going to be the same patterns or the same pitches. We knew we’d see a lot of change-up today.”
With what looked like a comfortable lead, Miami started to chop away at it with two runs from senior outfielder Shelby Kunkel and sophomore outfielder Kari Kreuger in the top of the fifth inning to put the lead to 3. Miller ended up being subbed out for freshman pitcher Anna Wise.
Miami wasn’t done yet, as it ended up taking the lead in the sixth inning with 4 scores from senior outfielder Jenna Golembiewski, sophomore outfielder Kari Kreuger, sophomore infielder Erin Pinter, and senior infielder Chloe Parks. Ohio ended up swapping pitchers again, this time putting in sophomore Mikie Lieveing, who closed the game.
“All three, Mikie, Skipp and Anna have all had to come in,“ Hall said. "Just giving them those opportunities along the way is going to prepare them for these moments. Mikie’s experience, she had a great season last year. She knows what it takes to win those games.”
With a close game, Ohio was able to score a run and tie up the game courtesy of Yuhas. With the game tied, it all came down to the pitching in the top of the seventh inning, which Lieving excelled at.
“Anytime you can come in and shut down an offense in a moment like that, I think Mikie is always built for stuff,“ Hall said. "She really stepped up today.”
Ohio’s pitching and fielding held Miami scoreless in the top of the seventh inning, leaving Ohio with a walkoff opportunity in the bottom of the seventh. The inning started with a hit from Kennelly, who made it to first base. Westler was walked and Hummel was able to hit a bunt to get Kenelly to third base. Next up to bat was Yuhas, who struck out.
“She was first that last inning, I knew if she didn’t get it done, I was going to try and get it done," Yuhas said. "I didn’t get it done, but I have so much confidence and faith in my team.”
Next up to bat was Keidel, with a hit far right, which was dropped by Miami. That crucial mistake allowed Kennelly to run home, securing the victory and series sweep for Ohio.
“I knew I just needed to get something on the right side to score that last run," said Keidel. "I trusted my humility.”
