ORLANDO, Fla. – Ole Miss (1-1) got out to an early lead Friday, but was unable to keep it going against Ohio State (2-0), falling to the Buckeyes 4-2 at the UCF Softball Complex.

Starting pitcher Ava Tillman suffered through one rough patch in the fourth, but otherwise was in command in the circle. The sophomore surrendered four runs (three earned) on three hits and a walk, striking out a pair.

Just like the day before, the Rebs struck first in the opening inning. Kylan Becker drew a leadoff walk and stole second, eventually coming home on Brittany Finney’s RBI single. Finney herself then came around to score as Autumn Gillespie reached on an error at second base.

The first two batters of the second reached for Ole Miss as Jessica Puk was hit by a pitch and Gabby Alvarez singled down the left field line. However, the Rebels were unable to take advantage and extend their lead.

That proved costly as Ohio State grabbed the lead in the home half of the third via a grand slam off of the bat of Emily Clark. It was Clark’s second big fly of the day following her two-run shot in OSU’s earlier game against George Mason.

The Rebels once again put the first two runners on base to start the fifth, with Taylor Watford taking a pitch off the leg and Becker drawing a walk. It looked like Kaylee Horton had kept the momentum going with a sharp hit to left but she was called out of the box on contact and a double play during the next at-bat ended the threat.

Ole Miss gave a late comeback attempt a shot in the seventh, putting Ally Mena and Becker on to put the tying run on-base but was unable to score them and keep the game alive.

Ole Miss returns to the UCF Softball Complex on Saturday for a doubleheader, taking on No. 21 Minnesota at 9 a.m. and George Mason at 11:30 a.m.

 

Mitch Praxl

Ole Miss Athletics