UNC softball loses to Ohio State 5-2, drops final match of The Spring Games

In the last game of The Spring Games over the weekend, the North Carolina softball team (6-4) struggled to capitalize with runners on base — falling to Ohio State (7-1) by a score of 5-2.

What happened?

Junior outfielder Bri Stubbs got things started for the Tar Heels early — getting to second off an error after a lead-off bunt. The following batters were unable to bring her home for a run, and UNC finished the inning without getting on the scoreboard. 

Senior catcher Taylor Greene delivered the first hit for the Tar Heels in the second with a line drive to the outfield to put her at first base. She was replaced by sophomore outfielder Carsyn Snead at the base, who then stole second during junior infielder Katie Perkins’ at bat. Once again, UNC left her stranded on second, finishing another inning without a run. 

In the bottom of the second, graduate shortstop Sara Jubas made a great play backhanding a strike between second and third and turning for the out at first. However, after that play, the Buckeyes got something going with four straight singles that brought in two runs. The explosive inning ended with a tag out at home. 

Stubbs got on base once again with a bunt in the third and was able to steal second in the next at bat. Yet, the scoring woes continued as she wasn’t brought home for the remainder of the inning. 

Jubas opened the fourth with a single to the outfield, and she was moved to second after the following sacrifice bunt. Sophomore inner midfielder Skyler Brooks poured in another single, advancing Jubas to third for the first time in the game. Perkins hit and was out at first, but she advanced Brooks to scoring position. After a fast-hit ball by first-year pitcher Carlie Myrtle, Brooks and Stubbs came home to tie the game, 2-2. 

However, Ohio State got going again in the bottom of the fourth. A fly-out to left and a single to right field put runners on first and third, and a run was scored after a rolling, in-field hit. Stubbs caught the fly ball to middle field to end their short burst. 

Ohio State scored another run in the fifth after a controversial call. Greene appeared to have tagged the third base runner before she reached home, but the umpire called her safe due to Greene blocking the plate. 

The score remained 4-2 until the bottom of the sixth. Ohio State poured in another run after a single to the outfield — making the deficit deeper for the Tar Heels heading into the final inning. 

In the seventh, UNC was able to get two runners on base after first-year first baseman Regan Weisner was hit by a pitch and Stubbs was safe at first after another error. However, the last minute effort was not enough as the last two tying runs at the plate were struck out to end the game at 5-2. 

Who stood out? 

Despite the loss, Stubbs stood out for the Tar Heels both at the plate and the outfield. She was consistent with getting on base and caught two deep balls to keep Ohio State from scoring more runs. 

When was it decided?

This game was decided in the bottom of the sixth and the top of the seventh. The Tar Heels were able to keep Ohio State to only one more run scored before making their last attempt to tie or take the lead. They were able to get runners on base in the seventh, but like the rest of the game — UNC was unable to bring its runners home. 

Why does it matter?

This game was the Tar Heels’ last chance at leaving The Spring Games in Leesburg, Fla. with a winning record. After dropping Sunday’s game, they finished the weekend 2-3, losing four out of their last six games. 

When do they play next?

The Tar Heels will be back in Chapel Hill on Wednesday, Feb. 23 at 5:00 p.m. to face North Carolina A&T. 

@dthsports | sports@dailytarheel.com