Sports
Ohio Baseball over Youngstown State
By: Eric Singer
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Before the season began, Ohio coach Rob Smith raved about the importance of having junior catcher Cody Gaertner back in the lineup.
Gaertner has been one of the reasons for the Bobcats marked success in 2015, carrying a .281 average and 21 RBI’s–the fourth most on the team. Having Gaertner behind the plate has helped the young pitching staff make strides as well, with the team ERA significantly lower than the previous season.
On Wednesday, Gaertner continued to prove his worth, picking up two hits and four RBI’s in three at-bats, including a two-RBI double in the top of the sixth to give Ohio the lead for good as the Bobcats defeated Youngstown State 6-3.
It was a total bullpen effort on the mound for Ohio (20-14, 6-6 Mid-American Conference), as eight different pitchers combined to toss the nine-inning game, allowing just four hits–none past the fourth inning. Corey Wells (2-0) picked up the win for Ohio as he threw two perfect innings, and Logan Cozart collected his eigth save of the season as he struck out the side in the ninth inning.
Offensively, Jake Madsen and Mitch Longo combined for five hits and three runs scored in the game, and John Adryan added an RBI-double in the sixth inning for his only hit.
Ohio will hit the road again on Friday, heading north for a crucial three-game series with MAC East-leading Kent State (20-12, 8-4 MAC).