Sports

Ohio Drops MAC Opener To CMU


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The Ohio Bobcats looked much improved Friday night in their MAC opener against the Central Michigan Chippewas. However, that improvement didn’t translate to a victory as Central Michigan took the first of a three-game set, 6-3.

 Ohio gave up a few runs early when Cody Leichman belted a two-run triple and an RBI double. Leichman wasn’t the only thorn in Ohio’s side as Logan Regnier also hit a two-run single to right field.

The early runs were enough to lock up the victory for the Chippewas, but the ‘Cats bullpen was solid. The relievers were forced to pitch a combined 5.1 innings after starter Jake Roehn was pulled early. They gave up six hits and one run in their combined effort.

The Bobcat defense kept the game close for the most part, forcing Central Michigan to strand nine runner on base. In the first inning, shortstop Tyler Finkler made the snag on a hard grounder, followed by a launch to first base, to save a run. That wasn’t the only clutch play from the Ohio defense. Third baseman John Adryan grabbed a line drive and stepped on third for an unassisted triple play to get out of a bases-loaded jam.

Ohio’s offensive production came mostly from Chandler Geller. The senior blooped a two-run single into left field to tie the game at 3 runs apiece in the bottom of the third inning. The first run came on a bases-loaded walk with Adryan at the plate.

Roehn was nailed in the shin area with a comebacker to end the third inning. He instantly dropped to the ground and grabbed his leg while banging his glove on the field. The right hander left the field limping, but it appeared to be just a stinger, as he came back out to get two outs in the top of the fourth.  

The ‘Cats have two more chances to get their first MAC win in the weekend against the Chippewas. The probable starters for Saturday’s game are Jake Rudnicki (2-0, 3.79 ERA) for Ohio and Pat Kaminska (3-1, 1.85 ERA) for Central Michigan.