After a deflating weekend during which Ohio allowed 44 runs in an unsuccessful three-game stretch, the Bobcats traveled to Cincinnati with hopes of turning around their season.
But that did not occur, as Xavier clobbered Ohio 14-0. The Bobcats mustered just three hits in 31 at-bats.
The weekend’s losses also gave the squad a reason to worry about the future, as sophomore first baseman John Adryan said there is still a long stretch of games to play, but after this loss coach Rob Smith’s post-game demeanor said it all.
He was clearly unhappy with the team’s recent play, but it seems as if he doesn’t know where to go from here.
“We didn’t throw enough strikes and we didn’t compete late in the game,” Smith said. “We need to throw more strikes and compete more late in games.”
The squad put itself behind the eight ball in the first inning, when Ohio freshman pitcher Gerry Salisbury surrendered three runs. He was replaced after walking the leadoff batter of the second inning and picked up the loss by allowing four runs on two hits and walking two batters.
The Bobcats used seven pitchers, with just one lasting longer than an inning on the mound, giving up a total of 11 hits and six walks in eight innings.
Junior pitcher Nick Nauracy went for 3.1 innings allowing only one run on one hit before he was replaced in the fifth inning.
The Musketeers then poured on the offense with 10 runs in the final four innings played, including a five-run sixth inning.
Xavier senior infielder Tres Eberhardt led the Musketeers’ offense, as he scored three runs and drove in another two runs on two hits. He was also walked twice during the Musketeers’ victory.
Ohio freshman shortstop Ty Black, redshirt junior first baseman Taylor Emody and senior center fielder Scott White were the only three Bobcats to record a hit.
The Bobcats finished the game with five starters replaced by pinch hitters.
However, Ohio reduced its number of errors from the seven bobbles committed in game one Saturday. The team still committed two errors — both from infielders.
Ohio’s offensive leader, freshman center fielder Mitch Longo, didn’t play after hurting his wrist this past weekend. His status for the upcoming weekend’s series is unknown.
Ohio will open its Mid-American Conference play against Central Michigan in a three-game series at home this weekend.
And preparation will be key for Smith’s squad.
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@Alex_Busch91
