The No. 9 UCLA Bruins opened their series against No. 21 Ohio State with a statement win, defeating the Buckeyes 14–6 in a five-inning mercy-rule game at Easton Stadium on Friday. With the win, UCLA improved to 35–5 overall and 8–1 in Big Ten play, while Ohio State dropped to 30–8-1 and 6–3 in conference action.
From the start, the game was an offensive slugfest, with both teams exchanging early blows. Ohio State struck first, launching two home runs in the top of the first inning to grab a quick 2–0 lead. But it didn’t take long for the Bruins to respond—and once they did, they didn’t look back.
UCLA erupted for eight runs in the bottom of the second inning, highlighted by Kaitlyn Terry’s first career home run—a towering grand slam that gave the Bruins the lead and shifted the momentum. Moments later, Megan Grant added to the offensive explosion with a three-run homer, extending UCLA’s advantage and further deflating the Buckeyes’ early confidence.
Grant wasn’t finished. With the bases loaded in the bottom of the fifth, the veteran slugger came through again, crushing her second home run of the night—a walk-off grand slam that sealed the 14–6 mercy-rule victory. She finished the night with seven RBIs, continuing her dominant season at the plate.
Ohio State’s Jasmyn Burns provided most of the Buckeyes’ offensive firepower, going 2-for-2 with two home runs and four RBIs. Her performance kept the Buckeyes within striking distance through the third inning, but UCLA’s relentless hitting proved too much to overcome.
UCLA’s offensive depth was on full display, with contributions from across the lineup. Jessica Clements added multiple doubles, Kaniya Bragg homered in the fourth, and Jordan Woolery drove in a key run in the third. The Bruins capitalized on Ohio State’s defensive miscues and used aggressive base running and timely bunts to keep the pressure on.
On the mound, Terry overcame a rocky start and settled in to record seven strikeouts across five innings. Despite giving up a few big hits early, the freshman pitcher regained control and shut down Ohio State’s offense when it mattered most.
Ohio State showed flashes of fight—loading the bases in the fifth and scoring a run on a deep sacrifice fly—but UCLA’s poise and power proved decisive. The Bruins’ ability to respond quickly and decisively to pressure situations underscored their championship-caliber mindset.
Game Breakdown
Ohio State opened the game with a bang—Sami Bewick and Burns both homered in the first inning to give the Buckeyes a 2–0 edge. In the bottom of the second, UCLA answered emphatically. After a string of hits and a walk loaded the bases, Terry sent a grand slam over center field, giving UCLA a 4–2 lead. Just a few batters later, Megan Grant extended the lead to 8–2 with a three-run shot to left.
The Buckeyes kept things interesting in the top of the third, with Burns launching her second homer of the game and Kaitlyn Farley adding a triple to trim the deficit to 8–5. UCLA responded with an RBI single from Woolery in the bottom of the frame, followed by Bragg’s solo homer in the fourth.
Ohio State pushed one more run across in the fifth, but UCLA once again loaded the bases in the bottom of the inning—setting up Grant for her game-ending grand slam.
What’s Ahead?
The Bruins and Buckeyes wrap up their two-game series on Saturday, April 5, with first pitch scheduled for 4 p.m. PT. UCLA looks to continue its Big Ten dominance and build momentum heading into the final stretch of the regular season.
The UCLA Softball team is cheering after they hit a home-run. Today, they victoriously hit four home-runs. Photographed by Catherine Rodriguez/BruinLife.
Utility player Megan Grant, is about to swing her bat to hit Ohio State pitcher's ball. She has completed 14 putouts in the 2025 season. Photographed by Catherine Rodriguez/BruinLife.
#29, Outfielder Rylee Slimp, has just hit a curve ball. This season she has averaged to 41 PO fielding points.Photographed by Catherine Rodriguez/BruinLife.
Key pitcher Kaitlyn Perry (#55) is swinging her fast pitch against an Ohio State batter. In 2025, she has completed 14 strikeouts and has accumulated an IP value of 8.2. Photographed by Catherine Rodriguez/BruinLife.
#8, Outfielder Jessica Clements, sprints to make it to base on time. Jessica has five runs batted in this season. Photographed by Catherine Rodriguez/BruinLife.
