The Ohio softball team aims to rebound today as it takes on Eastern Michigan in a doubleheader. The two games are important following Ohio's three losses at Akron.
Ohio (18-27 overall, 11-9 Mid-American Conference) still stands in good position to make the MAC Tournament. Six teams go to the tournament -the top two teams in each division and the next two teams with the best records, regardless of division, make the field.
Ohio's MAC record puts it a half game behind Miami for second place in the East Division. Ohio holds the sixth spot in the tournament right now with four conference games left.
The good news is
we're not all that disappointed (about the losses against Akron) Ohio coach Roanna Brazier said. We're still sitting in good position. We have to win two more games.
The four games are against Eastern Michigan and Northern Illinois. Those two teams have a combined conference record of 11-27. But that does not guarantee any wins for Ohio.
Last weekend was not the first time the Bobcats played down to the level of their competition. Earlier in the season Ohio swept a doubleheader against Marshall, which was in first place at the time. The Bobcats then lost two of three to Ball State, which currently has a MAC record of 6-14.
Pitching and defense allowed Ohio to win seven of eight games, giving up only 12 runs in those eight games. But the pitching and defense failed Ohio last weekend, giving up 23 runs, as Ohio lost four of five.
While the pitching has struggled lately, the offense for Ohio has been inconsistent for a while. The Bobcats have scored at least five runs in a game only twice in their last 16 contests.
Eastern Michigan's (15-26, 5-13 MAC) pitching staff ranks in the bottom three in ERA in the MAC, so this is a good opportunity for Ohio to get the bats going, Brazier said.
Brazier said she feels good about all three parts of her team and that they just needed a good day's rest after the long weekend.
Two Ohio hitters had a good weekend despite the losses. Infielder Sarah Melvin batted .444 and center fielder Erin Chapman batted .400.
The Bobcats need to do more of that today as Ohio looks to get back on the winning track. The first pitch is scheduled for 2 p.m. at Varsity Field.
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Kevin Wiseman
