The good news for the Ohio softball team heading into today's doubleheader against Cleveland State is its 10-1 all-time record against the Vikings. The not-so-good news is Ohio's 4-17-1 record this season.
In a season where bright spots have been few and far between, outfielder-turned-pitcher Jenny Tisevich has shined like a flashlight in a darkroom. Today's game-one starter, Tisevich leads a young pitching staff with three wins. Outside of her win total, Tisevich's numbers - 5.30 earned run average, .278 opponents' batting average and 12 wild pitches - are less than stellar when compared to veteran pitchers.
Tisevich does not claim to be a veteran pitcher.
Heading into the off-season last year, Tisevich brought back the prospect of pitching - something she had not done since high school. With a pitching staff composed of a junior, sophomore and a freshman, Ohio coach Roanna Brazier threw open the door to Tisevich, knowing full well immediate success was a long shot, Brazier said.
"(Tisevich) kind of made up her mind that she missed pitching," Brazier said. "She wanted to get into the game for us. It takes years and years to get that stamina back. As it turns out, she worked hard in the off-season to get back."
Ohio's 5.08 ERA is second to last in the Mid-American Conference ahead of Eastern Michigan. But it was last weekend's two losses to Akron that bulldozed the staff's confidence. The Bobcats gave up 23 runs to the Zips in three games.
"It was hard on the pitchers, especially because the team played so well," Tisevich said. "That's how the season has been going - if one part of the team is working, the other isn't."
Brazier, likewise, said that fairly or unfairly, pitching staffs bear the brunt of the criticism when wins are hard to come by.
"We were talking about how better and better (the pitchers) were getting and, when we don't win, that was a shot to our confidence," Brazier said. "The pitchers have the ball all the time and control the game. When they lose, a lot of the time they take the blame."
While Ohio struggles with pitching, Cleveland State (10-12) prides itself on its pitchers. Combined, the Vikings boast a 3.10 ERA with pitcher Grace Luginbuhl leading the way with a 0.87 mark.
"In the past they've had pretty good pitching but nothing that is un-hittable," outfielder Erin Chapman said. "They've got smart pitchers, a lot of movement, but not a lot of heat. I don't think (the pitching) should be a problem."
Today's non-conference match-up provides Ohio with a much-needed break from conference play, Brazier said. That said, the Bobcats, with their shaky confidence, know the doubleheader is a double-edged sword.
"It could do one of two things," Brazier said. " (Two wins) could right the ship and get us headed in the right direction, or if we come out and lose, it could definitely be a negative shot in he arm."
Ohio takes on Cleveland State at 3 p.m. today in Cleveland.
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Joe Arnold
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Ohio utility player Sarah Melvin steps up to bat against the University of Akron on Sunday, April 6. The Bobcats lost 9-8.
