April 15, 2005
Columbus, OH – The University of Iowa softball team used a three-run third inning to defeat the Ohio State Buckeyes, 4-1 on Friday. The Hawkeyes (34-9, 5-4) collected nine hits on the evening, including home runs from Stacy May and Mindy Heidgerken.
The game remained scoreless until Iowa’s half of the third. Heidgerken led off the inning with a bunt single and advanced to second on a throwing error by the Ohio State catcher. May followed with her seventh home run of the season to put the Hawkeyes up, 2-0. Summer Downs then doubled to right center and after an Emily Nichols walk, Sami Baugh slapped a single to right field, scoring Downs for a 3-0 lead.
Iowa scored its final run in the top of the fourth when Heidgerken blasted her second home of the season over the left field fence. Ohio State rallied in the seventh, scoring one run on a throwing error, but could not complete the comeback.
May and Heidgerken led the Hawkeye offense, both collecting two hits. May was 2-4 with two RBI while Heidgerken went 2-3 with two runs scored.
Lisa Birocci went the distance for Iowa and collected her 20th win of the season. The senior gave up no earned runs on five hits and struck out three.
The two teams will face off again Saturday at Buckeye Field. Game time is set for 11 a.m.