Flashes Softball Suffers Walk-Off Loss to Buckeyes

Tuesday, March 21

Columbus, Ohio

4:00 p.m.

Kent State University

6-16

Ohio State

18-7

Kent State

Ohio State

Photo by: Aaron Meullion

Flashes Softball Suffers Walk-Off Loss to Buckeyes

3/21/2023 7:37:00 PM | Softball

Box Score

COLUMBUS, Ohio – A two-run lead heading to the bottom of the seventh inning wasn't enough for Kent State, as Ohio State plated three in the frame for a 4-3 walk-off victory in its home opener at Buckeye Field on Tuesday.

The Golden Flashes (6-16) were led by a trio of freshmen. Macy Irelan got the starting assignment in the circle and held the Buckeyes to one hit over three scoreless innings. Bri Despines and Brynn Libler had two hits apiece and drove in all three of the team's run.

The game was scoreless after four innings, as each team had just one hit each to that point. Sophomore Savannah Wing doubled Kent State's hit total with a single up the middle to start the top of the fifth. A strikeout and fielder's choice placed redshirt senior Alexandria Whitmore at first base with two outs. Libler then brought her around for the first run of the game on a double.

The Flashes loaded the bases to start the sixth on singles by Despines and junior Emily Lippe, followed by a pitch that hit sophomore Delaney Robeson. Ohio State ace Allison Smith struck out the three following batters, however, as part of a 15-strikeout performance.

The Buckeyes tied it at 1-1 in the bottom of the sixth.

Whitmore and Libler returned momentum in the Flashes' favor with singles to start the top of the seventh. After both advanced 60 feet on a sac bunt by senior Julia Mazanec, Despines sent a single to left field to allow both to score and make it 3-1.

Two singles and a walk loaded the bases for the Buckeyes with one out in the bottom of the seventh. A sac fly for the second out brought in a run and moved the tying run to third. The Buckeyes followed with a bloop single to right field to make it 3-3, and an error on the relay throw allowed the winning run to score.

Anilese Kelly (2-6) tossed 3.2 innings in relief and had one strikeout while allowing three earned runs.

Kent State returns to Mid-American Conference action this weekend with a three-game series at rival Akron. A single game is scheduled for 3 p.m. on Friday, March 24 with a doubleheader to follow at 1 p.m. on Saturday, March 25.