After snapping a nine-game losing streak over the weekend, the Bobcats will look to end a new two-game skid Tuesday.
Ohio heads up Route 33 to face Ohio State, which is fresh off a three-game home sweep at the hands of conference opponent Indiana, in a non-conference matchup Tuesday.
The Bobcats and Buckeyes’ home stadiums are separated by just more than 75 miles, and both teams have more than 20 players from the state of Ohio.
Ohio State renovated its stadium in November 2011 because of a $500,000 donation from former Buckeye and current Indians outfielder Nick Swisher.
“I’m sure some of our guys that are from Ohio are excited to get out there and play Ohio State,” said Ohio coach Rob Smith. “We’re excited to go up there and play. It’s a beautiful facility and it’s going to be good weather, finally, for us to play in.”
The Buckeyes started their season by winning seven of their first nine games. They then dropped four of their next five before putting together an 8-1 record from March 14-26.
Ohio State, like Ohio, is led by a freshman on offense. Outfielder Ronnie Dawson is the only Buckeye with a batting average better than 300, (.346) and shares the team lead in hits with 28. Sophomore infielder Troy Kuhn leads the squad with 18 runs this season on 28 hits.
The Buckeyes have outscored their opponents by a total 127-115 in 26 games this season, while the Bobcats has been outscored 183-81 in 24 games.
The Bobcats’ Achilles heel this season has been playing a complete game, often keeping games close until the final innings.
They improved their overall defense over the past weekend, allowing just 11 runs in the three-game series, compared to 20 the series before.
“I want to see us play quality baseball,” Smith said. “If we force teams (to beat us) in the long-haul, we’re going to be fine, whether we’re playing Central Michigan, Western Michigan or Ohio State.”
Smith commended his starting pitching trio of Jake Rudnicki, Jake Roehn and Connor Sitz. He said that strong starting pitching will be key to the team getting back on track after a lowly start to the season.
This past weekend, the starting three combined for 22 2/3 innings pitched, allowing just 20 hits and 11 runs.
Sophomore hurler Jake Miller, who has started six of the Bobcats’ eight midweek games and owns an 11.57 ERA in 18 2/3 innings, will take the hill Tuesday for the rivalry game.
“There’s always the Ohio-Ohio State rivalry, but with that said, we have to approach it like any other game,” junior first baseman Jake Madsen said. “It got cancelled last year, (so) it’s going to be good to go up there.”
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Fast Facts
What: Ohio (5-19, 1-5 MAC) vs. Ohio State (16-10, 2-3 Big Ten)
Where: Columbus, Ohio
When: 6:35 p.m. Tuesday
