Ohio (2-4) looks to bounce back after a tough series sweep to Campbell when it plays at home for the first time this season against UIC (4-4). Ohio’s first series at home comes after an impressive start to the season offensively.
The offense was particularly good in its opening series victory against Lipscomb. However, last weekend the Bobcats were swept by Campbell, losing the last game of the series on a walk-off single.
Here is everything you need to know for the home opening series against UIC.
Series Information
Opponent University of Illinois-Chicago
Location: Bob Wren Stadium
Dates and Times: Friday at 3 p.m., Saturday at 2 p.m. and Sunday at 1 p.m.
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Meet the Opponent
Head Coach: Sean McDermott (3rd season)
Impact Players
Jackson Bessette, sophomore C
Kendall Ewell, graduate OF
Zane Zielinski, senior INF
Brandon Bak, sophomore LHP
Dillon Schueler, sophomore RHP
Reece Lawler, redshirt junior RHP
UIC Notes
UIC and Ohio have gotten off to similar starts to their seasons. Much like Ohio, UIC won a series against a bigger, favored opponent in Kansas. Since that strong start, however, UIC has slowed down a bit, losing games to Lamar, Crieghton and Incarnate Word while beating Houston Christian and North Park in the second weekend of the season.
UIC will be coming into this weekend’s series on just two days of rest, as their last game against North Park was played on Tuesday. The Bobcats will need to take advantage of UIC’s limited rest and put out the Flames early.
Player to Watch: Jackson Bessette
UIC’s sophomore catcher has been mashing in the batter's box this season. Through the teams’ first eight games, he boasts a .467 batting average along with an OPS of 1.167.
Those are extremely impressive numbers and the second-year standout has been the key player to UIC’s offensive success. While the numbers in the batter’s box have been good, his presence behind the plate is another important factor for the Flames.
