Ohio’s first series of the season started out promising but ended in disappointment.
The Bobcats came back from behind to beat USC Upstate 9-6 in their first game on Friday. However, the weekend took a turn for the worse on Saturday and Sunday when the Bobcats were outscored 22-4 in two games.
Although it is still very early in the season, Ohio can’t fall too far behind. A strong start to the season will give Ohio the drive it needs before Mid-American Conference play begins in mid-March. A series win over Eastern Kentucky will keep hopes for a strong start alive.
Here’s what you need to know ahead of Ohio’s series at Eastern Kentucky:
Series Information:
Opponent: Eastern Kentucky (1-3)
Location: Earle Combs Stadium (Richmond, Kentucky)
Date and Time: Feb. 25 and Feb. 26 at 3 p.m., Feb. 27 at 1 p.m.
Watch: Friday’s game is available here.
Live Stats: Stats are provided here.
Eastern Kentucky Probable Starters:
Niko Leontarakis (1-0, 0.00 ERA)
Rese Brown (0-1, 12.00 ERA)
Rian Yates (0-0, 6.75 ERA)
EKU Stat Leaders:
Hits: Kendal Ewell (7)
Runs: Max Williams (4)
RBI: Ewell (5)
On-base percentage: Ron Franklin Jr. (.750)
Strikeouts: Leontarakis (10)
Series History:
It’s been almost six years since Ohio and Eastern Kentucky played against each other. The two teams last faced off on Apr. 5, 2016. Ohio was able to get ahead early and score in six innings to win 10-4.
Since 2009, the Bobcats are 4-4 against the Colonels but have not done well on the road. The Bobcats are 1-3 when playing in Richmond. However, they have beaten the Colonels in the last two games.
Player to Watch:
Ewell — Last season, Ewell was named to the Ohio Valley Conference All-Freshman Team and has since picked up where he left off. Although the sophomore went 0-for-3 in his first game this season, he quickly turned the page. He leads Eastern Kentucky with a .538 batting average and a slugging percentage of 1.000.
