The Ohio baseball team returns to Mid-American Conference play tonight against Marshall, with an opportunity to provide coach Joe Carbone with his 500th coaching victory at Ohio.
Carbone passed former baseball coach Bob Wren last season for all-time Ohio wins leader when he recorded his 465th win against Cleveland St.
Ohio (13-13 overall, 4-3 MAC) is in the midst of a hot streak winning 10 of its last 11 games. During Ohio's recent surge the team has risen from a 3-12 record to its current .500 status. Ohio's .500 record marks the first time it has been at an even record since March 2, 2004.
Despite Ohio's recent tear, Carbone said there are still areas to improve.
I think we need to get a better mind set on swinging the bat
Carbone said.
The Bobcats currently boast MAC East Player of the Week, Ben Crabtree, and MAC East Pitcher of the Week, Anthony Gressick.
Crabtree batted 9-20 last week, including 7 RBIs. He also threw out four-of-seven potential base stealers and hit a home run in each of the three games against Eastern Michigan last week.
Gressick tossed 15 strikeouts in 8 1/3 innings against the Eagles last Saturday, both career highs. Gressick struck out the side twice while only giving up two hits and no earned runs.
Outfielder Ryan Planck, who went 2-3 during Wednesday's win over West Virginia St., talked about how it feels to be on a good streak as Ohio tries to eclipse .500 for the first time this season.
We've put together a few wins now said Planck. It's always nice to contribute to that.
We got a unity to just go out there pitcher John Angelicchi said of Ohio's pitching staff. (We) go out as a team and let people play for us. (We) let them hit the ball and let the defense play
and hopefully we can score some runs and we'll hold them down.
With starting pitcher Rob Harmon still questionable, the starting rotation for this weekend remains uncertain.
For sure it will be (Derek) Witt on Friday
Carbone said. We want to go with (Anthony) Gressick Sunday. But If Harmon's not ready we'll see where Angelicchi is and maybe move Gressick up.
The Bobcats' three-game set against Marshall (10-18, 5-4 MAC) begins at 7 p.m. tonight at Bob Wren Stadium. Ohio will also play 7 p.m. Saturday and finish the series at 1 p.m. Sunday.
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