Wolverines Doomed by Home Runs in Loss at No. 24 Ohio State

Sunday, April 20

Columbus, Ohio

1:00 PM

Michigan

31-15, 0

Ohio State

37-10-1, 0

Michigan

Ohio State

Indiana Langford (Michigan Photography)

Wolverines Doomed by Home Runs in Loss at No. 24 Ohio State

4/20/2025 4:05:00 PM | Softball

Box Score

By: Leah Howard

What You Need to Know
» Michigan fell to No. 24 Ohio State, 15-7, in six innings; the Buckeyes scored 12 runs over the final three innings after U-M grabbed an early lead.
» After taking a one-run lead in the fourth, Ohio State posted grand slams in the fifth and sixth innings.
» Lilly Vallimont tallied a grand slam in the top of the first; Indiana Langford and Jenissa Conway posted three hits apiece and combined for five runs.

COLUMBUS, Ohio -- The University of Michigan softball team struck early but gave up a lead for the third straight game in its weekend series, falling to No. 24 Ohio State, 15-7 in six innings, on Sunday afternoon (April 20) at Buckeye Field. After taking a narrow one-run lead in the fourth inning, Ohio State pulled away with grand slams in the fifth and sixth.

Both teams homered to plate multiple runs in the first inning. Michigan used two singles and a walk to load the bases before the game's first out, and two batters later -- after fouling off several pitches -- junior/sophomore catcher Lilly Vallimont hammered one deep to leftfield for the Wolverines' first grand slam of the season and her third home run. Ohio State answered with a three-run shot with two outs in the home half. Senior RHP Lauren Derkowski responded with a four-pitch strikeout to end the inning.

After a quiet couple of innings, both teams scored again in the fourth with the Buckeyes taking their first lead with a three-run frame. OSU capitalized on a Michigan throwing error to put two in scoring position with one out, and both scored on a bloop single to shallow left. The Buckeyes followed with a double off the centerfield wall to take the lead.

Sophomore RHP Erin Hoehn entered with two on and one out. After another Michigan error loaded the bases, she worked out of the jam with back-to-back outs, including a running catch from sophomore centerfielder Jenissa Conway on the warning track in left center.

Ohio State capitalized on free passes -- two walks and a hit-by-pitch -- to extend its lead in the fifth, scoring first on a sac fly to center before hitting a grand slam to straightaway centerfield.

Michigan got a couple runs back in the sixth, scoring twice on groundouts after junior second baseman Indiana Langford and Conway led off with back-to-back hits. The duo recorded three hits apiece at the top of the order for the second straight game and combined for five runs; Conway posted two doubles.

Ohio State used a single and two walks to load the bases with two outs in the bottom half and ended the game with its second grand slam, this one to left center.

Derkowski (11-11) took the loss, allowing six runs (five earned) on five hits and three walks with four strikeouts over 3.1 innings. Hoehn and freshman RHP Kat Meyers each allowed a grand slam in the fifth and sixth innings, respectively. The Michigan pitching staff struggled with free passes, issuing seven walks and hitting two batters.

Michigan (31-15, 9-7 Big Ten) will return to action Tuesday (April 22), hosting Oakland for its final non-conference game of the season. First pitch is slated for 4:30 p.m. at the Wilpon Complex, home of Carol Hutchins Stadium and Alumni Field. Tickets are available through the U-M Ticket Office, and the game will be streamed live on B1G+.