Zach Keen and the Ohio defense understand the ideas that coach Joe Carbone and his staff are preaching at the team's practices each week.
They're just having a hard time putting it into action.
(Carbone)'s just stressing fundamentals
said Keen, a freshman infielder. You've got to take your time.
Easier said than done.
The brutalizing Ohio offense, averaging 13.4 runs during the last seven games, and the brutalized defense, averaging 2.9 errors per game over the same span, will take their respective hot and cold streaks into a three-game Mid-American Conference series at Akron this weekend.
For Carbone's part, he understands that he'd probably field fewer questions about the defense if it were playing well, but he also knows errors are a part of the game.
It's all a part of baseball he said, adding that he might receive more questions about walks or strikeouts if those statistics were kept on the scoreboard like errors. It's tough to (play good defense). You have to have the whole team.
Part of the problem stems from the young players that Ohio is putting out in the field, Carbone said. The Bobcats started four freshmen against Youngstown State on Wednesday, not an unusual number of first-year players to take the field for Ohio this season.
Although youth brings its share of issues, Carbone said he's been encouraged by the effort his players are putting forward.
Guys are going to miss the ball. I understand that he said. I'd rather have them being aggressive than backing off and making themselves look good.
Keen said the key was finding a balance between trying enough and then taking that mentality too far.
We've got to make sure we're not trying to do too much
he said.
Last weekend's weather certainly didn't do anything to aid the defense, and this weekend doesn't look to be any different. Most forecasts call for rain showers both Saturday and Sunday, mirroring the rain delays that Ohio faced last
Friday and Saturday against Eastern Michigan ' games that the Bobcats went on to lose. Carbone said the important thing in those tough situations is keeping his players focused on the task at hand.
I tell them to sit down and relax. Be patient
he said. Of course
that's pretty tough to do for 18- and 20-year-olds. I tell them to be ready because we're going to play.
In addition to reversing their fortunes weather-wise, Carbone and his team will look to get back on track after dropping their first MAC series of the season to Eastern Michigan.
We want to keep going above .500 every weekend
Carbone said. Everybody wants to sweep
but that's hard to do.
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