Ohio (31-13, 14-4 Mid-American Conference) recently played a devastating 15-5 loss to the victorious Ohio State in Ohio Softball Field Tuesday evening. To finish off the week, the Bobcats will travel to Mount Pleasant, Michigan, to compete against Central Michigan (23-20, 15-5 MAC).
The Chippewas are also just coming off a tough loss of their own to the Fighting Irish, 8-4, while playing on Notre Dame’s home field Tuesday evening. Ohio and Central Michigan are the top two teams in the MAC: the Bobcats are ranked number one, whereas the Chippewas are ranked right behind them at second.
All that is needed to know before the weekend matchup is found in the information provided below.
Series information
Opponent: Central Michigan
Location: Margo Jonker Stadium
Times: Saturday at 1 p.m. and 3 p.m., Sunday at 3 p.m.
Watch all three games on ESPN+
Meet the opponent
Head Coach: McCall Salmon (sixth season)
Statistical leaders:
Batting Average: Carly Sleeman (.378)
Hits: Sleeman (51)
Home Runs: Sleeman (16)
RBIs: Sleeman (49)
Innings Pitched: Mackenzie Langan (100.1)
Strikeouts: Langan (70)
ERA: Langan (2.79)
Central Michigan notes
What is worth noting again is how both of these teams are almost neck-and-neck in the MAC. It previously seemed like Miami would be on top of all others in the conference, but Ohio managed to take first after winning all three games against its arch-rival.
Based on their record and current standing, the Chippewas are without a question a worthy opponent for the visiting Bobcats. Statistically, Central Michigan is ranked first in the MAC in terms of batting average (.312). Ohio ranks first in ERA (3.04), wins, shutouts (9) and opponent batting average (.244).
With this in mind, fans of both parties will be in for an exciting series.
