Throughout the 2017 season, Ohio has often struggled to find balance between its offense and pitching, making it difficult for the Bobcats to find consistency in winning games.
But in its second-to-last Mid-American Conference series of the year, both sides registered a strong weekend to propel Ohio (25-25,11-10 MAC) to a three-game sweep on the road against Buffalo and solidify a postseason berth in the double-elimination MAC Championship on May 24-28 at All-Pro Freight Stadium in Avon, Ohio.
The series also marked the last time that the Bobcats will ever play against the Bulls' baseball team as well as Buffalo's final time hosting a MAC opponent, as the university will be ending its baseball program following the current season.
Offensive boost
The Bobcats figured out the Bulls all series, as Ohio outscored Buffalo with a combined 20-4 run total in the three games.
Leading the offensive outburst for the Bobcats was designated hitter Michael Klein, who went 4-for-13 with two runs and five RBIs in the series, batting in at least one run in each game.
Also registering a big offensive weekend was outfielder Spencer Ibarra, who went 5-for-10 with two runs and four RBIs after falling flat with an 0-for-4 performance in the 5-3 series-opening win on Friday.
The offense played a big role in Saturday's series-winning 12-1 victory, as each starter recorded a hit as the team totaled 18. Seven of the nine Ohio starters also notched multi-hit games.
Red-hot pitching
Ohio's pitching dominated Buffalo all weekend, as each of the Bobcats' three starters turned in a quality start and gave up no more than three runs, while the bullpen tossed eight total shutout innings.
Left-hander Gerry Salisbury opened the series on the mound for the Bobcats and lasted seven innings and gave up three earned runs on six hits, two walks and two hit batsmen while striking out five.
In addition to going 2-for-6 with a pair of RBIs at the plate, the right-handed Klein also tossed six innings in his start from the mound and gave up one earned run on three hits and a walk while striking out seven.
In his fourth start of the season, Tom Colletti finished off Buffalo in Sunday's 3-0 victory, as the right-hander threw six scoreless innings and gave up three hits on two walks while striking out six.
The impressive start should solidify the senior's spot in the starting rotation as the postseason nears.
What's next?
Ohio will close out the season with a three-game home series on May 18-20 against MAC East division-leading Kent State (33-14, 17-4 MAC). The Bobcats will look to build off of the momentum from the previous sweep as they look to head into the postseason with some consistency.
