As far as wins and losses go, this weekend's three-game set against Indiana University-Purdue University Fort Wayne means absolutely nothing to the Ohio baseball team's Mid-American Conference postseason chances.
Regardless, the approach stays the same: play hard and win.
You can't turn the switch on and off
catcher Ben Crabtree said. If you say it's a non-league game that doesn't mean that much that's when you start playing bad baseball and it carries over into the MAC games. You have to come out with the same mentality and just get after it
play hard and hope for the best.
After losing two of three games last weekend at Ball State, Ohio's chances of nabbing a spot in the MAC Tournament are slim but still possible.
Ohio (20-28 overall, 10-11 MAC) is currently fourth in the MAC East, behind Miami, Kent State and Akron. The Bobcats face Akron in the regular season finale next weekend.
The top two teams in each division qualify for the MAC Tournament, with the two remaining teams with the best conference winning percentage, regardless of division, rounding out the field of six. If the season ended today, Ohio would not qualify, but after this weekend the myriad of scenarios will unfold, and the Bobcats will know exactly where they stand.
I haven't even tried to figure it out because after the weekend we'll know for sure
Ohio coach Joe Carbone said. Monday I'll figure it out. Actually
I'll let Coach (Bill) Toadvine figure it out because he's better at that than me.
Miami welcomes Northern Illinois to Oxford this weekend, Akron entertains Eastern Michigan, and Kent State travels to Western Michigan for a three-game set.
Playing IPFW (20-28), Ohio takes its conference bye this weekend, but while the outcome of this weekend's series has no bearing on those postseason scenarios, Carbone said the game will be played just the same.
You're still playing three nine-inning games-Friday
Saturday
Sunday. So we're just approaching it the same way we'd approach the conference game
Carbone said. I guess there's not the pressure that it's do or die
but we have to go play and perform.
Outfielder Phil Sabatini said taking a step out of the MAC race for a weekend does not change how he will play, and it gives the team a chance for a tune-up.
It's not too difficult at all because it's a baseball game either way
Sabatini said. We have to come out and play hard just like we would if it was a conference game.
Sticking to routine, Carbone sends Chris Bova to the hill Friday and Adam Russell takes the ball Saturday. Sunday's starter has yet to be determined.
If Dan O'Rourke, who will start the weekend in the bullpen, is not used too much, he might be given the start in the finale, Carbone said.
The Bobcats and Mastodons begin a three-game set tonight at Bob Wren Stadium.
First pitch is set for 7 p.m. today with a 5 p.m. start Saturday and a 1 p.m. start for the Sunday finale.
