Ohio’s (0-3) first two opponents of the 2025 season could not be more different. After suffering a series sweep against Wofford, a team that secured an NCAA Tournament spot out of the Southern Conference, Ohio will face West Georgia (2-1), a program that elevated its athletic programs to Division I just over half a year ago.
Ohio will look to curve its lack of success against Wofford in its three games against West Georgia. It will be Ohio’s last road series before its home opener against Butler next weekend, with a one-off matchup at West Virginia Wednesday.
Here’s everything to know ahead of this weekend’s series.
Series information
Opponent: West Georgia (2-1)
Location: Cole Field (Carlton, Georgia)
Times: Friday at 2 p.m., Saturday at 3 p.m. and Sunday at noon
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Meet the opponent
Head coach: Jeff Smith (sixth season, 111-96)
Top returning batter: Cooper Prince (.371/.487/.433 in 2024)
Top returning pitcher: Seth Dudley (5.45 ERA and 58 strikeouts in 2024)
Prior to elevating its athletic programs to the DI level, West Georgia finished under .500 in the Gulf South Conference. That said, it’s not without high-caliber returning talent. Senior outfielder Cooper Prince and breakout sophomore outfielder Noah Darden have started the season on fire at the plate. The duo has combined for 13 hits and 11 runs while hitting well over .500 thus far.
West Georgia has a new-look pitching staff in 2025, after its most effective pitcher, Jonathan Hickman, has transitioned to a graduate assistant role. Although Seth Dudley is the top returner, the Wolves have looked to 6-foot-7-inch senior, Lane Pearson so far this season. Transfer Sam Cole has also been effective, with the duo combining for 10 strikeouts and only 2 earned runs allowed thus far.
Player to watch (West Georgia): Cooper Prince
Prince has been a star at the plate for the Wolves for three seasons now, batting around .350 since he debuted in 2023. The outfielder has been near-impossible to keep off base in West Georgia’s early exhibitions, posting a 1.788 OPS in 10 at-bats. Ohio will need an answer for Prince if it wants to stunt the West Georgia offense.
