Sports

Ohio falls 7-3 in final game of the series against UIC

By: Payton Brooker
Posted on: Sunday, March 3, 2024

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ATHENS, Ohio (WOUB) – Ohio (3-6) dropped the final game of its home series against the University of Illinois Chicago (6-5). 

The Flames were in control from the first inning taking two walks and three hits leading to three runs. This momentum for UIC continued in the next inning as shortstop Zane Zielinski hit a solo home run towards left field to increase the lead.  

The Flames weren’t done just yet though. In the second inning, catcher Jackson Bessette hit an RBI double to make the lead 5-0.

Ohio wasn’t out of the fight in the third inning, however. The Bobcats were able to bounce back with an RBI single from Alex Finney and a two RBI single by Cole Williams to reduce the lead to two. 

UIC wouldn’t give up the lead. RBIs from James Harris and A.J. Taylor round up the scoring in the fifth and sixth inning.

The Flames starting pitcher Kendall Lyons kept the Bobcats from going on a rally pitching eight of the nine innings and only giving up two earned runs.  

Ohio struggled in pitching walking seven batters in total. Head Coach Craig Moore said after the game that he’s looking for improvement with his pitchers. 

“They’ve got to come out and just attack,” Moore said. “That’s one thing I don’t see out of our pitching staff right now. I don’t see us wanting to attack the zone quite like we want to.” 

The Bobcats will have the next four games back home in Athens, including their first MAC series against Northern Illinois. Moore said the team needs to continue its approach on offense. 

“I would rather see loud outs than quick outs,” said Moore. “It means the guys are on time and putting a good swing on the ball. We just have to continue what we’ve been doing and we’ll be fine offensively.”  

Ohio will host the Youngstown State Penguins on Mar. 5 at 4:00 p.m. in its first home midweek matchup.