Ohio will square off against a tough UNC Greensboro team in a three-game series this weekend.
Greensboro will be as good
if not tougher than the teams we've faced so far junior pitcher Chris Rigo said.
The Bobcats enter the weekend's series on a three-game losing streak, which they calculated 10 total errors to their opponents five. The team has posted a 3-0 record without errors, and defense should be pivotal this weekend, senior shortstop Zach Hartle said.
Anytime you can play the game error free
it makes it easier on yourself
Hartle said. That's one of our main focuses every time we hit the field practice or game.
The Spartans (5-2) just snapped a four-game winning streak. They still pose a strong threat, however, as they hold a team batting average of .329 and have hit seven home runs.
Ohio's pitching staff has been solid this year, though, with a team ERA of 3.98 compared to their opponents 4.64.
On the mound we need to throw strikes
get ahead of hitters
keep them off balance
and keep them off the base paths
Rigo said.
Rigo has tallied 13 strikeouts in 13 and 2/3 innings of work.
Having a good strikeout ratio is important because it can help you pitch out of jams and can take the ball out of play
thus helping out the defense
Rigo said.
Quality starts into the later innings will also be crucial.
If we can have starters go six to seven innings per start with minimal runs given up
