COLUMBUS, Ohio – Not as soon as Brooke Wyderski's home run landed over the wall, freshman Taylor Johnson followed up with a goner of her own to help lead the Wisconsin softball team to its second Big Ten victory of the year, defeating No. 24 Ohio State, 3-1, at Buckeye Field on Saturday afternoon.
The Badgers' (16-12 overall, 2-1 Big Ten) back-to-back homers came in the top of the third inning, giving UW a 2-0 lead. The Buckeyes (20-8, 1-4) retaliated in the bottom of the frame when Emily Clark hit an RBI single up the middle to make it a one-run game.
Wisconsin sealed the deal in the top of the seventh inning when an error allowed Johnson, who was on originally from a walk, to tag home.
Freshman Haley Hestekin looked sharp in her first career Big Ten Conference appearance, dealing five strikeouts while letting up only one earned run.
Batting Cleanup -4 Notes to Know:
- Haley Hestekin picked up her eighth win of the season and now has an 8-4 record with a 1.65 ERA. She also struck out two batters looking and three swinging.
- Wisconsin outhit Ohio State 8-6, led by three hits by Gabby Scherle, marking a career high for the left fielder.
- Freshman Taylor Johnson tied her career high with two runs scored.
- The Badgers clinched their first win in Columbus since April 4, 2004.
On Deck: Wisconsin will look to take the series against OSU on Sunday at 10 a.m. CT.