Chris Rigo knows that the move from relief pitcher to start is not the easiest of transitions. But with his first-start nerves behind him, Rigo said he hopes to display more confidence in his second start today against Eastern Michigan.
Being the second start
I will be a little more relaxed and not have the butterflies Rigo said. I will be calmer and under control and it will be a lot easier.
In that first start, Rigo pitched 4 and 2/3 innings, allowing two earned runs on three hits and walked five.
It was good to have my own game
Rigo said. I got off to a rough start because I came in with the mentality of a relief pitcher
but I picked things up toward the end.
The Bobcats (12-17, 2-7 Mid-American Conference) travel to Ypsilanti in search of their first road win of the season. Despite his team's 0-10 mark on the road, coach Joe Carbone said that his team's inability to win on the road is not mental.
Five of those losses were really early in the season
Carbone said. On the road we have less to worry about. The other teams just played better than us.
Rigo added that if Ohio wants to get back into contention in the MAC, they must win some weekend conference series.
It's definitely important
Rigo said. We've had a couple of disappointing losses and it would be good to get a couple of wins under our belt and even our record in the MAC.
Despite losing 8-6 to Duquesne on Tuesday, Ohio has played better of late, winning three of its last five games. During that stretch, the Bobcats have averaged more than seven runs a game and totaled 12 hits in each of the three wins.
Carbone credited his younger players with carrying the load offensively, but said the veteran hitters need to find more consistency at the plate.
I don't think our older guys have given us the production that we have needed and the younger guys are doing very well and are some of our best hitters
Carbone said.
Outfielder and walk-on Jeremie Rehak is one of the younger players who helps Ohio offensively, providing a significant threat on the base paths. Rehak is tied for second on the team with five steals and said his speed can help manufacture necessary runs.
Coach encourages me to use my speed on the base paths
Rehak said. I have been fortunate to get opportunities and I have tried to make the most of them.
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