After a successful weekend for Ohio baseball, the Bobcats took the first two games and gave up one against Marshall.
We came into the weekend knowing we had to take two or all three games to stay up with Miami and we did just that
recalled Ohio outfielder Willie Walker.
Along with the two notable wins, the Bobcats had numerous achievements. Broken records, career-highs and first-time achievements were abounding this weekend.
For most total career hits in Ohio history, senior catcher Ben Crabtree moved into third place this weekend. He met and surpassed the former title-holder Adam Fox. Fox, who set the record with 234 hits during his career, played Ohio baseball from 2001 to 2003.
Crabtree's home run Sunday was number 29 for his career, which put him in eighth place on Ohio's all-time home run list. Crabtree was also seven for eleven at the plate with seven RBIs.
Also reaching a career high, Anthony Gressick struck out 15 batters at the plate and Derek Witt finally had his second complete game in his career.
In the eighth inning on Sunday, sophomore outfielder Willie Walker came in and hit the ball out of the park attaining his first grand slam.
I was hoping it had the legs to get out Walker said. I knew I hit it solid.
In a word he recalled it as indescribable. I had never hit one before and ... it was so thrilling Walker said. I didn't really know what to think going around the bases.
Walker's grand slam was promptly followed by Jon Vondrell's first career-home run.
Another prominent statistic, Phil Sabatini has taken quite a beating during his baseball career. He is currently placed as the 13th most-hit player by pitchers and at the rate he is going, that statistic will undoubtedly rise.
I think I'm just getting lucky
Sabatini joked about his literal baseball magnetism. I'm getting hit a lot more lately.
Ohio's win on Friday was also momentous for Coach Joe Carbone, now only the fourth Mid-American Conference coach to reach a 500-win goal for his career. Still, Carbone emphasized the significance of the wins was about and for the players.
Personally ... I just hope our guys get to go to experience a championship or get to go to a tournament
Carbone said with modesty. Coaches don't win games
players do.
That's what college baseball is all about
Carbone said. It's about people who work real hard
persevere
persevere
persevere and have success.
After the great variety of success early in the season, it is obvious Ohio has something to look forward to; however, Carbone saw room for improvement.
We've gone from being a real banger team to more of good pitching and defense
which is okay
