After a poor two-way performance Tuesday night against Marshall, Ohio (8-23, 4-11 Mid-American Conference) continues its bye week against Virginia Military Institute (21-13, 4-5 Southern Conference).
Against Marshall, Ohio struggled to get its bats going when its pitching was hot and struggled not to give up runs when the offense was connecting. Although this week’s games mean nothing for Ohio’s MAC Tournament chances, it's a good chance for Ohio coach Craig Moore and his team to build confidence heading back into conference bouts.
Here is everything you need to know ahead of the series:
Series information
Opponent: Virginia Military Institute
Location: Bob Wren Stadium (Athens, Ohio)
Times: Friday at 6 p.m., Saturday at 2 p.m. and Sunday at 1 p.m.
Watch games one and two on YouTube and game three on ESPN+
Meet the opponent
Head coach
Sam Roberts (third season)
Projected starters (VMI):
Friday: Evan Parmer (7.76 ERA in 29.0 innings)
Saturday: Jaxon Lloyd (6.88 ERA in 35.1 innings)
Sunday: Andrew Jones (8.64 ERA in 33.1 innings)
Projected Starters (Ohio):
Friday: Blake Gaskey (5.81 ERA in 31.0 innings)
Saturday: Hudson Boncal (5.08 ERA in 44.1 innings)
Sunday: Hunter Winston (12.56 ERA in 14.1 innings)
Statistical leaders
Hits: Owen Prince (51)
Home runs: Grayson Fitzwater (12)
RBI: Boston Torres (57)
ERA: Caden Plummer (4.10)
Strikeouts: Jaxon Lloyd (47)
Player to Watch: Ben Slanker
Without Slanker against Marshall this past Tuesday, the MAC’s home run leader’s impact was felt. In the game’s opening and closing third, Ohio struggled to get runners on base, something Slanker does better than just about everybody in the conference. His 1.230 OPS is tied for first in the MAC while he’s batted in the conference’s second-most runs as well. Slanker’s ability to get on base is invaluable for Ohio.
