IU drops both games against OSU by 8 runs

The IU softball (11-29, 3-7) team knew it was going against a high-powered team in Ohio State. Still, the Hoosiers hoped to pull off at least one upset victory. l No. 19 Ohio State Buckeyes (28-11, 7-1) in Columbus, OH.

But a surge of power helped the No. 19 Buckeyes (28-11, 7-1)  easily win both.

Ohio State beat IU 8-0 in the first game and 11-3 in the second. Both games were ended early due to the run rule.

"Ohio State has some very dangerous hitters and we just made too many mistakes and they capitalized on them," IU coach Michelle Gardner said.

OSU freshman Melanie Nichols (14-2) pitched all six innings in the first game, as she threw 6 strikeouts, and only gives up one hit in the game.

The lone hit came from senior outfielder Jennifer Glueckert.

In the second game, the Hoosiers were at least able to muster some offense, started after freshman infielder Amanda Wagner hit a two-run homer in the top of the second, her fifth of the season.

"We were better at the plate in the second game, and it was good to see Amanda Wagner hit that home run,” Gardner said.  

Freshman infielder Breanna Saucedo wen t2-3 with a run scored in the game.

One of the best hitters in the Big Ten, OSU sophomore infielder Alicia Herron, went 3-4 with 4 RBI and two runs scored.

The Buckeyes got 23 hits in the two games to the Hoosiers' six.

The Hoosiers look to improve their record this weekend against Northwestern (20-18, 6-5) in Bloomington.

“We still have room for improvement and I know we will over the last month of the season," Gardner said.