Softball: No. 24 Ohio State Sweeps Michigan in Friday Doubleheader

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The rivalry between Ohio State and Michigan never lacks intensity, no matter the sport, and Friday’s doubleheader in Ann Arbor proved to be no exception. The No. 24 Ohio State Buckeyes delivered a statement performance, sweeping the Wolverines in a pair of hard-fought games that further solidified their postseason resume and continued their recent dominance in Big Ten play.

With the twin victories—4-2 in Game 1 and 5-3 in Game 2—Ohio State improved to 34-10 on the season and 14-3 in Big Ten play, while Michigan dropped to 26-17 overall and 10-7 in conference action. It marked the Buckeyes’ first doubleheader sweep in Ann Arbor since 2010, adding a special significance to an already heated rivalry.

Game 1: Buckeyes Hold Off Late Michigan Push

The day began with a pitcher’s duel that slowly gave way to strategic base running and clutch hitting. Ohio State’s ace Allison Smith once again lived up to her billing, tossing a complete game with 10 strikeouts and just five hits allowed.

After two scoreless innings, Ohio State broke through in the third with a two-run single by senior shortstop Mariah Cline. The Buckeyes added two more in the fifth on a double by sophomore slugger Kaitlyn Farrow, giving them a 4-0 lead and some much-needed breathing room.

Michigan tried to mount a late comeback, scoring two runs in the bottom of the sixth on a two-out RBI double by catcher Lexi Voss, but Smith stayed composed in the circle. She struck out the side in the seventh to close the game, silencing the home crowd and setting the tone for the day.

“She’s our anchor,” head coach Kelly Kovach Schoenly said of Smith. “You want your best to step up in big moments, and she thrives in these environments. Michigan’s always a tough lineup to face, but she never flinched.”

Game 2: Buckeyes Rally to Complete Sweep

While Game 1 was more of a methodical victory, the nightcap had the fireworks. Michigan jumped out to an early 2-0 lead in the first inning thanks to a two-run homer by freshman standout Riley Kennedy, catching Ohio State’s bullpen off guard. But the Buckeyes weren’t going to be denied.

Trailing 3-2 in the fifth, Ohio State staged a dramatic rally, capitalizing on an error and two timely singles to retake the lead. Senior utility player Taryn Kern delivered the go-ahead hit, a two-run double that clanged off the left-field wall, making it 4-3. The Buckeyes added an insurance run in the sixth with a solo homer from freshman Bella Norton—her fifth of the season.

Reliever Emily Ruck shut the door with two innings of scoreless relief, collecting her fourth save of the season and sending the Buckeyes into the weekend with a massive confidence boost.

“Once we got that lead, I just focused on getting ahead in counts and making them hit my pitch,” Ruck said postgame. “It’s Michigan—there’s no room to play scared. We knew what was at stake and we were ready.”

Rivalry Fire Still Burns

Ohio State and Michigan have met over 100 times on the diamond, but the stakes always seem higher when the two blue-blood programs clash in late April. Both schools entered Friday looking for a defining moment heading into the final stretch of the season. It was Ohio State who answered the call.

“It’s one of those matchups where you don’t have to say much,” said Schoenly. “The players know the history. They know what it means to wear this jersey. When you beat Michigan, and especially sweep them at their place—it resonates.”

Michigan head coach Bonnie Tholl, in her second year at the helm following the legendary Carol Hutchins’ retirement, acknowledged the sting of the losses but praised her team’s resilience.

“We were in both games,” Tholl said. “But we have to be sharper in the circle and more efficient at the plate. Give Ohio State credit—they executed when it mattered.”

Buckeyes’ Rise in 2025

The Buckeyes have quietly put together one of the best seasons in recent program history. Ranked No. 24 nationally, Ohio State has now won 11 of its last 12 games and boasts a balanced team built on pitching, defense, and clutch hitting. With Friday’s sweep, they now sit atop the Big Ten standings alongside Northwestern and Minnesota.

“We’re not just here to make regionals—we want to win the Big Ten and host in the postseason,” said senior outfielder Kaitlyn Farrow. “This group is locked in, and we’ve got the talent to go far.”

Allison Smith, already a two-time All-Big Ten honoree, is putting together a campaign worthy of All-American consideration. Entering the weekend, she had an ERA of 1.94 with 182 strikeouts, and her performance in Game 1 only bolstered that resume.

The offense has also turned a corner, with Farrow, Norton, and sophomore second baseman Kelsey Kelly all batting over .330 in Big Ten play. Farrow leads the team in home runs with 12, while Norton has emerged as a steady RBI machine in the five-hole.

A Changing of the Guard?

For Michigan, the weekend losses continue a frustrating trend. While still firmly in the hunt for an NCAA tournament spot, the Wolverines have been inconsistent. A once-dominant program, Michigan is undergoing a slight rebuild under Tholl, with a younger roster and new leaders emerging.

“I think we’re close,” Tholl said. “There’s a lot of growth happening behind the scenes. We just need to keep trusting the process and staying competitive.”

The Wolverines will have a chance to salvage the series in the Sunday finale, but the doubleheader sweep stung—a sign that the Big Ten power structure may be shifting. Once dominated by Michigan and Minnesota, the conference is now more balanced, with Ohio State asserting itself as a legitimate contender.

Postseason Implications

The wins moved Ohio State closer to clinching a first-round bye in the Big Ten Tournament and potentially hosting a regional—a feat they haven’t accomplished since 2010. Their RPI continues to rise, and series wins over ranked opponents like Indiana and now Michigan will boost their case with the selection committee.

“The job’s not done,” said coach Schoenly. “This team has bigger goals than just beating Michigan. We want to win championships, and we know every game counts.”

For Michigan, the next two weeks will be crucial. The Wolverines have games remaining against Maryland, Penn State, and a final non-conference matchup with Louisville. A strong finish is essential to avoid falling into bubble territory.

“We’ve got to learn from this and move forward,” said senior outfielder Lexi Voss. “There’s still time to make a run. We’re not hanging our heads.”

Unsung Heroes and Key Stats

While the stars stepped up, several under-the-radar players made key contributions on Friday:

• Taryn Kern’s clutch double in Game 2 flipped the momentum. She’s been battling through a nagging wrist injury but delivered in a high-pressure moment.
• Catcher Megan Ward handled both pitchers with poise and gunned down two Michigan baserunners attempting steals.
• The Buckeye defense turned three double plays across the two games, snuffing out potential Wolverine rallies.

Ohio State outhit Michigan 15-11 across the two games and committed just one error compared to Michigan’s three. Their ability to capitalize on those mistakes proved decisive.

Looking Ahead

Ohio State will finish the series in Ann Arbor on Sunday before returning home to host Nebraska in a pivotal three-game set. A sweep there could all but clinch the Big Ten regular season title and position the Buckeyes for a top-16 national seed.

Michigan, meanwhile, must regroup quickly. A third straight loss would complicate their path to the NCAA tournament, and questions about their lineup depth and bullpen reliability will only grow louder.

But as Friday showed, rivalry games often bring out the best in teams. And for Ohio State, this may just be the spark they need heading into May.

“We’re not done climbing,” said Farrow. “This was just another step. But yeah—it feels good to beat them. Especially twice in one day.”

Box Scores

Game 1:
Ohio State 4, Michigan 2
WP: Allison Smith (17-4)
LP: Lauren Derkowski (13-6)
HR: None

Game 2:
Ohio State 5, Michigan 3
WP: Kaitlyn Mott (8-1)
SV: Emily Ruck (4)
LP: Monica Ward (4-3)
HR: Riley Kennedy (UM), Bella Norton (OSU)

With every pitch, every cheer, and every stare-down from the dugouts, Friday’s doubleheader between Ohio State and Michigan captured everything fans love about college softball—and rivalries in general. Passion, precision, pressure—it was all there.

For Ohio State, it was a message to the Big Ten and the country: This team is for real. And for Michigan, it was a gut check—one they’ll have to respond to quickly if they hope to keep their postseason dreams alive.

The series finale may not grab national headlines, but don’t be fooled: every pitch will matter. Because when Ohio State and Michigan clash, even a Sunday in April feels like October.