IOWA CITY, Iowa — The University of Iowa softball team was edged by Ohio State, 6-4, on Saturday at Pearl Field in the second game of a three-game weekend series.
Senior Breanna Vasquez got the start in the circle for the Hawkeyes, throwing five innings with three strikeouts and taking the loss.
Sophomore Denali Loecker threw two innings of relief tallying two strikeouts.
Sophomore Brylee Klosterman was 2-for-3 on the day. Junior Sophia Maras drew three walks and had an RBI single. Senior Riley Sheehy and junior Sammy Diaz each hit sacrifice flies.
A pair of freshmen pinch runners Haley Downe and Rylie Moss scored runs for the Hawkeyes.
HOW IT HAPPENED
Ohio State (25-10, 6-5) scored right away in the first inning, plating three runs on four hits. The Buckeyes added one more run to their lead in the second.
The Hawkeyes’ first two runs came in the bottom of the second as Loecker and Maras drew back-to-back walks and sophomore Amber DeSena laced an RBI single to center field. Sheehy’s sacrifice fly scored the pinch running Downe from third.
Ohio State added a run in both the fifth and the seventh innings.
Iowa (18-22, 1-12) attempted a comeback in the seventh plating two runs as junior Kalena Burns walked, Loecker walked, and Maras singled to right center scoring Moss, who ran for Burns. Diaz then hit a sacrifice fly to score Loecker from third, but the Hawkeye comeback ultimately fell short.
HEAR FROM HEAD COACH RENEE GILLISPIE
“Defensively, it’s giving up extra opportunities. A couple fumbles in the outfield and an error at second base early on cost us. Offensively, Sophie did a great job at the plate, taking the three walks when she had the opportunity to, and a big hit. Brylee was all over the plate. We need to get those timely hits. We loaded the bases again, had runners in scoring position, and came up empty. We have to relax and understand, it’s a one-on-one contest.”
UP NEXT
The Hawkeyes and Ohio State will play the series finale tomorrow. First pitch is scheduled for noon (CT) at Pearl Field. Admission is free.