After a slow start, the Ohio State Buckeyes came alive, scoring a remarkable 12 runs in the final two innings to secure a 13-5 series win over the Illinois Fighting Illini this Saturday. The game, held in front of a full-capacity crowd at Buckeye Field, highlighted the Buckeyes' resilience and offensive firepower.
The victory propelled Ohio State's season record to 29-17 and improved their Big Ten conference record to 10-9. Conversely, Illinois' struggles continued, dropping them to 19-28 overall and 5-13 in conference play.
The game began unfavorably for Ohio State, as Illinois quickly took a 5-0 lead, thanks to two early home runs in the top of the first. However, the Buckeyes' pitcher, Lexi Paulsen, entered the game and pitched 4.2 innings of hitless ball, stabilizing the team. This allowed the Buckeye offense to ignite in the fourth inning, ultimately seizing the lead with a nine-run outburst.
During the rally, Kami Kortokrax, Destinee Noury, McKenzie Bump, and Jasmyn Burns each contributed home runs. Burns also added a two-run single in the fifth inning to conclude the game. Paulsen finished with three strikeouts and only two walks, shutting down Illinois in crucial innings.
The turning point came in the fourth inning, where Ohio State amassed nine runs from six hits, spurred by an Illinois error. This explosive inning featured notable hits, including a three-run homer by Kortokrax and a two-run homer by Bump. The fifth inning saw Bump and Burns driving in additional runs, rounding off a 12-run explosion in the latter part of the game.
The match drew a sellout crowd of 1,630, marking one of the season's largest attendances. The team's performance during this nine-game winning streak has been stellar, with Bump, Kortokrax, and Burns each batting over .400. Kortokrax, in particular, has shown exceptional form against Big Ten opponents.
Ohio State is set to conclude the series and their home schedule against Illinois tomorrow at 2 p.m., with live coverage available on BTN. The game will also feature a special pre-game ceremony honoring nine senior players and their families.
This emphatic win not only demonstrates the Buckeyes' tenacity but also sets a high bar as they continue to contend in the competitive Big Ten landscape.
