Sports
Ohio Softball Returns For Home Opener Against Wright State
By: Kellen Becoats
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After starting the season 12-1, the Ohio softball team has fallen to 13-12 coming into their home-opener on Friday, March 14, at 2 p.m. The Bobcats' last two wins came against Ohio State on March 7 and Northwestern State on Feb. 23.
The ‘Cats have made a habit of getting ahead early in games and seeming content while, entering the home stretch and giving up multi-run innings to their opponents.
While many may point to the pitching of the Bobcats, it also needs to be taken into consideration the quantity of games that Ohio has played this season. During their seven-game losing streak, the Bobcats played seven games in seven days, often playing two games a day, and playing 12 games since February 28.
Fatigue seems to be taking its toll on the women from Athens, but after receiving five days off from their demolition by Louisville, the ‘Cats received a much-needed rest. Now the Bobcats look to rebound against a struggling 2-13 Wright State team.
The Raiders have only given up less than two runs in once this season and have given up eight or more in eight of their games. This will be music to Ohio’s ears, as many of the Bobcats who started the season with hot bats have cooled down as of late.
Adrienne Gebele, after starting the season with an above .400 batting average, leads Ohio with a .377 batting average and a .584 slugging percentage. The Annapolis, Md. native also leads the team with 29 hits and three home runs, when the Bobcats are looking for offensive firepower, Gebele can be depended upon.
Another source of offensive strength is Alexandria Basquez. The senior from Elk Grove, Calif. has been a handy hitting partner to Gebele, leading the team with 19 RBIs, tied for runs scored with 13, currently in second place with 25 hits and holding a .512 slugging percentage. But the offense isn’t the only side looking to make a splash for the Bobcats.
The Ohio pitchers will also have something to prove against the Raiders, after giving up 22 runs in their last game, both Savannah Jo Dorsey and Lauren McClary will look to clear the Athens' air. Dorsey started the season with a spectacular 2.04 ERA and although she’s dropped to a 3.88, the sophomore will look to silence the doubters and pick up her eleventh win of the season.
McClary could also receive the start, but after starting the last game it is slightly less likely. The junior will be the most inspired Bobcat on the diamond after the criticism she has faced after her outing in Louisville but she has been strong this season, holding a .298 opposing batting average.
If Ohio can take their home-opener against Wright State it will look to build back up to its early season form.