Ohio heads to Ball State for its second Mid-American Conference series this season.
The sign hung in each dugout Ohio occupied last year.
“Something Good is About to Happen”
The prophecy was cemented in late May, when the Bobcats won the Mid-American Conference Tournament for the first time since 1997.
Yes, something good happened.
That was the last time Ohio played Ball State.
When the two teams meet in Muncie, Indiana, on Friday, the implications will be just a tad different for the Bobcats.
In 2016, if something good is about to happen, it hasn’t happened yet.
Sitting 10-14 entering its second conference series, Ohio isn’t exactly producing box scores that could hint at another conference title.
This early in the season — with 30 games remaining — that’s fine.
But the record also hints at another dilemma that Ohio hasn’t had in its recent history.
Two years removed of their worst season in program history, the Bobcats are now a year removed from their best in 19 years. Although improvement is obviously a good thing, perhaps it’s raised expectations higher than necessary.
By no means are the Bobcats struggling this season.
Offensively, Ohio’s bottom of the order has struggled, but collectively the group is hitting .287. Opponents are hitting .222.
The team has also strung together more hits and runs than opponents, which is another strong sign.
The difference between wins and losses for Ohio, at least recently, has been when runs have been given up.
In the past five games, the Bobcats have allowed runs before they’ve actually scored themselves. They lost four of the five games.
Here are a few quick notes heading into the series:
Friday starters
Right-hander Jake Miller will be Ohio’s starting pitcher. This season, Miller is 2-4 in seven appearances, posting a 4.29 ERA.
Zach Plesac, a right-hander, will start for Ball State. Plesac is 2-1 with a 3.03 ERA.
About the Cardinals
Ball State is 15-11 this season, and has an solid 4-1 record at home. The 15 wins puts the Cardinals second overall in total wins this season in the conference, with Kent State topping the standings with 17.
Something good might happen
Still early in the season, if Ohio can win the weekend series, it will improve to at least .500 in the MAC through two series.
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That’s not a stat to set the world ablaze, but it’s also a respectable start to the season.
First pitch is set for 3 p.m.
@charliehatch_
gh181212@ohio.edu
