For Ohio baseball, it’s been the same story on different days.
Offense wasn’t the issue in Tuesday’s 15-10 defeat against Xavier, as the Bobcats (5-22, 2-4 Mid-American Conference) put up 18 hits, including five from freshman outfielder Nick Squires and three hits each from sophomore first baseman Jake Madsen and centerfielder Cody Gaertner.
The Bobcats even showcased their power, as junior catcher Kyle Dean blasted a three-run homer over the left field wall. It was the 10th homer of the season for Ohio, who ranks fourth in the MAC in the long ball category.
Ohio’s issues continue to rest on the pitching mound, as the pitching staff struggles with a lack of talent and depth. The group allows the highest batting average in the conference, as opponents are hitting .314 against the short-staffed set of arms.
“They did a fantastic job offensively,” coach Rob Smith said. “For those guys that watch the game, our guys play hard. They continue to play and didn’t give in to the scoreboard. … They continued to compete. Our deficiencies on the mound continue to hold us back.”
Issues on the mound will have to improve if Ohio wants to compete on the road with a team fresh off of a College World Series appearance in Kent State (12-14, 4-2 MAC) this weekend.
Kent State, like Ohio, relies on its offense to win games, as its pitching staff is also a work in progress. While the Golden Flashes have tallied the fourth highest hit total on offense, but their pitchers rank eighth in the MAC with a 5.13 team earned run average.
Their rotation had to be rebuilt from a team that made it all the way to Omaha. The Flashes had to replace David Starn and Ryan Bores, who were a combined 21-7 last season.
But despite their struggles on the mound and sub-.500 record, Smith isn’t underestimating his opponent.
“They’re the best team in our league, whether they have the best record in our league right now,” Smith said. “They are the best program in the MAC. As we try to build our program, it’s something to aspire towards. I’m excited our guys are getting the chance to see that program and I think there are some things to be learned.”
Ohio’s players share Smith’s sentiment, as they want to see where they measure up to the conference’s top team.
“We’re all real excited,” Squires said. “We’re going to go into (the game) like we do every other series and try to come out with a win. (A win) would be a huge deal and it would set the tone for the rest of the season.”
ch203310@ohiou.edu
