ATHENS, Ohio – Western Michigan softball dropped a tough one this afternoon to the Ohio Bobcats by a final score of 6-5. The result finished the season for WMU with a final record of 22-32, and 12-16 against Mid-American Conference opponents.
The Bobcats jumped on the scoreboard first in the series finale, adding one run in the first inning and three more in the third. The Broncos would answer back in the fourth thanks to a solo homerun by junior designated hitter
Courtney Farrish, who belted her seventh bomb in the last 11 games played to continue her dominant hitting streak.
The Broncos would add another courtesy of the long ball an inning later via freshman pitcher
Jordan Kavanagh, who sent a solo homer of her own to center field in the top of the fifth. Freshman outfielder
Taylor Wolfe drew a walk in the next at-bat, and advanced to second thanks to a base hit from sophomore infielder
Rissa Bajusz.
Senior infielder
Jordyn Swinehart would add to the scoring in the inning with an RBI single to wave in Wolfe and advance Bajusz to third, and Galloway brought Bajusz home with a sacrifice fly to center field one batter later, narrowing the Bobcat edge to a single run, 5-4 in the bottom of the fifth.
That would not be all for Western Michigan in the inning, as a
Courtney Farrish walk pushed Swinehart to second base. Junior infielder
Alyssa Kramer dug in next plate appearance and shot a single to center field, bringing Swinehart home and knotting things up at five runs apiece.
The difference in the contest came in the bottom of inning number six as Ohio was able to break the tie with a sacrifice fly to put themselves ahead 6-5 with three outs remaining. The Broncos strung together a couple hits in the top half of the seventh, but could not conjure up the necessary offense to complete the comeback.
The game ended somewhat awkwardly, as a pick-off attempt by the Ohio catcher to first base was initially ruled unsuccessful, calling the runner safe on the play. After a gathering by all three umpires, the call was overturned, effectively ending the game and season for Western Michigan in the process.
Courtney Farrish stamped a strong end of the 2022 season this afternoon, going 2-3 with a homerun in the top of the fourth, as well as a run scored and RBI.
Alyssa Kramer had a good showing this afternoon as well, going 2-3 with a run batted in herself.
Jordan Kavanagh finished the day 1-2 with a solo homerun as well as a run scored and RBI, while
Rissa Bajusz and
Reily Galloway each went 1-3 on the day with Galloway notching an RBI herself.
Jordyn Swinehart rounded out the Bronco offense in the season finale, going 1-4 with a run scored and an RBI of her own.
On behalf of Western Michigan softball, thank you to all fans, family members, support staff, and administration for your unwavering support of the team this season. Your support means the world to the WMU coaches and players, and is very much appreciated. We cannot wait to see you all next year for more Western Michigan softball!
#LetsRide
