Despite an 8-0 loss to Ohio State in Ohio’s (20-19, 8-6 Mid-American Conference) most recent game, the team’s season has taken a turn towards success. In the last seven MAC games, Ohio has gone without a loss, playing dominant softball on both offense and defense.
Ohio has a chance to extend that streak to nine in a mid-week doubleheader against Toledo (19-16, 10-5 MAC). The Rockets have been one of the MAC’s best teams about halfway through the season, currently sitting at second while the Bobcats sit at fifth. However, if Ohio sweeps the series, they could jump as high as second in the conference, only behind Miami.
Here’s everything you need to know ahead of the pivotal matchup.
Series Information
Opponent: Toledo
Location: Scott Park (Toledo, Ohio)
Time(s): Tuesday at 1 p.m. and 3 p.m.
Where to Watch: ESPN+
Meet the Opponent
Head Coach: Jessica Bracamonte (second season)
Statistical Leaders
Batting Average: Sidney Griffith (.400)
Hits: Griffith and Eli Enriquez (44)
Runs: Enriquez (29)
Home Runs: Riley Mohr (4)
RBI: Mohr (25)
On-Base Percentage: Griffith (.426)
Innings Pitched: Sophia Knight (126.0)
Strikeouts: Knight (82)
ERA: Knight (2.72)
Toledo Notes
It is no wonder why Toledo has been successful this season. The Rockets boast a balanced roster full of batters who can find the ball in the right spot. Enriquez, Griffith and Mohr have been a dangerous big three for the team offensively, holding the top three spots in Toledo’s batting order for most of the season with first-base player Jenna Kroll who has served as a consistent third or fourth option.
In the pitching circle, the Rockets have leaned on Knight as their ace, and she has performed well in that role. On March 23, against Bowling Green, Knight, alongside Mady Yackee, pitched Toledo’s first perfect game on record in a 12-0 victory.
If Ohio hopes to have a winning day against Toledo it needs to maintain poise and consistency on both sides of the pitching circle, limiting errors and maximizing their opportunities at bat.
Preserving the streak
Ohio has been dominant in conference play as of late. Following a series-opening loss against Central Michigan, the team has been unstoppable rattling off seven straight wins.
Ohio took a quick pause from conference play last week against Ohio State before heading into a week without a game. While the Bobcats lost the nonconference matchup, with a good amount of rest, they will look to put it behind them as they attempt to continue their streak and earn a much-needed top-three spot in the MAC standings.
Ohio has just 14 games left in its season, all but one in the MAC. In 2023, Ohio made a mid-to-late season push to get into the conference’s top three, securing a spot in the MAC tournament. As opportunities dwindle, Ohio will need a similar push to close 2024 to have a shot at an automatic bid in the NCAA tournament.
