COLUMBUS, Ohio – Despite a five-run first inning, Illinois softball fell to Ohio State, 13-5, in five innings at Buckeye Field on Saturday.
The Fighting Illini dropped to 19-28 and 5-13 in Big Ten play. Ohio State improved 29-17 overall and 10-9 against conference opponents.
Paige Berkmeyer and Abby Ryniec each tallied home runs in the game. Kelly Ryono added a double during her 1-for-2 day at the plate.
How it happened
The Fighting Illini bats came alive in the opening frame, with Ryono getting the game started with a double off the wall. Berkmeyer blasted a ball over the fence, her seventh homer this season, to put the team ahead, 2-0. Another long ball, this time a three-run bomb from the bat of Ryniec, continued the scoring frenzy, helping the Orange and Blue gain the 5-0 edge.
The Buckeyes gained one back in the second, logging a solo home run in the bottom of the inning. Following a scoreless third for both sides, Ohio State added nine runs in the fourth, leaving Illinois behind, 10-5. In the bottom of the fifth, the Buckeyes scored three runs, closing out the 13-5 defeat for Illinois.
Up Next
The Fighting Illini close out the series with Ohio State on Sunday. First pitch is slated for 1 p.m. CT on Big Ten Network.
Notes
» Illinois wore anthracite jerseys, moving to 5-6 while donning those.
» The Illini moved to 13-28 against Ohio State.
» The home run by Ryniec was the first of her collegiate career.
» Illinois dropped to 3-10 in shortened games.
» The Illini went 2-for-4 (.500) with runners in scoring position.
