Spring break was no vacation for Ohio, as it took on its first set of ranked competitors and encountered adversity for the first times this season.
The Bobcats (13-12) lost 11 of the 12 games they played during the break, including dropping four of five games in this weekend’s Red and Black Classic in Louisville, Ky.
“We look to go up for sure,” coach Jodi Hermanek said. “We knew this break was going to be a challenging stint of games as well as travel.”
After defeating Ohio State on Friday, the Bobcats suffered their worst losses of the season in their two games against Louisville on Saturday and Sunday.
During the first game, the Bobcats picked up just four hits, but were still able to score four runs. However, sophomore pitcher Savannah Jo Dorsey allowed nine earned runs and eight hits while only striking out one batter.
In the rematch on Sunday, the Bobcats allowed 22 runs and the game was called after five innings because of the mercy rule, which was the first time this season the Bobcats lost a game by the rule. The Bobcats’ pitching staff also allowed a team to score more than ten runs for the first time this season.
Despite all the runs Ohio allowed Louisville, the Bobcats recorded ten strikeouts during their 4-3 loss against Massachusetts.
“Some games we had some great offense some games we had some great pitching,” Hermanek said.
Ohio also experienced struggles at the plate, which is unusual for the Bobcats after they had success hitting the ball early in the season. The Bobcats recorded 34 hits during the five games and a team average of .248.
Although the Bobcats suffered a stretch of losses for the first time this year the past two weekends, Ohio remained competitive in the contests, as the Bobcats lost by three or less runs eight times.
“When we were down our pitching staff kept us in every game and created opportunities to be successful, we need to put both our offense and defense together,” said Hermanek.
The Bobcats will hope to get back to their winning ways in their home opener against Wright State on Wednesday.
“We are looking forward to being back in Athens and getting back to work and getting our mojo back,” said Hermanek.
FAST FACTS:
Friday
Ohio 7, Ohio State 3
Illinois State 7, Ohio 4
Saturday
Massachusetts 4, Ohio 3
Louisville 11, Ohio 4
Sunday
Louisville 22, Ohio 4
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