Ohio (1-6) had a handful of opportunities but couldn’t capitalize in a tough road matchup with the Big 12’s West Virginia (8-0). The Bobcats ended the day hitting two-for-10 with runners in scoring position and zero-for-three with the bases loaded. In an 8-4 loss, Ohio needed a big hit with runners on base but couldn’t deliver.
The Bobcats fell behind early. Starting sophomore pitcher Jack Geiser surrendered 3 runs in the first inning after the first four batters reached base safely. Geiser made his first start of the season against West Virginia.
Geiser's day quickly ended after just two innings of work. After a tough first inning, he bounced back in the second, retiring three straight batters after a leadoff single. Geiser was credited with the loss for the game.
Ohio’s offense got going in the fourth inning after loading the bases on a walk, an error and a bunt single to start the inning. A drawn walk from outfielder Pauly Mancino with one out would account for Ohio’s first run of the game while also forcing West Virginia to make a call to its bullpen.
The Bobcats would add 1 more run on a sac fly in the fourth, bringing home their second run. Through four innings, Ohio trailed 5-2.
Ohio had a chance to get back in the game in the sixth inning but couldn’t produce more than a run. Trae Cassidy started the inning with a double to left field but would be stranded on second until back-to-back two-out walks to Blake Reed and Nick Dolan.
With two outs and the bases loaded, leadoff hitter JR Nelson would strike out on a pitch that was in the dirt. However, Ohio caught a break as the ball bounced past the catcher, and a run would score on the wild pitch.
True freshman Matt Ineich had another chance with the tying run now on second base but couldn’t deliver a big hit despite a competitive at bat. While Ineich was unsuccessful with runners in scoring position, the freshman has continued to impress, tallying a single to extend his hitting streak to six games to start his career.
In the bottom half of the sixth inning, West Virginia put Ohio out of reach, scoring 2 runs to extend its lead to 4 runs. Mountaineer catcher Logan Sauve had a career day against the Bobcats, recording three hits, including a double and two RBIs.
Ohio rolled out five pitchers against West Virginia, each one surrendering at least 1 run except for senior Tyler Peck.
Peck was effective in the eighth and ninth, allowing no hits while striking out one. The senior reliever has had a good season despite Ohio’s tough start. Peck’s outing against West Virginia was his third straight outing without allowing 1 run.
Ohio will now look forward to its home opening series against Butler this weekend at Bob Wren Stadium. After a slow start in the season’s first two weekends, Ohio will try and use its home field to turn things around and get back on track before MAC play begins in March.
