In the midst of a season-long losing streak of five games, Ohio has added a home doubleheader Thursday against Indiana University-Purdue University Fort Wayne.
The Bobcats (13-10) have been swept in each of their past two doubleheaders, including being outscored 17-3 by Eastern Kentucky Tuesday. IPFW, however, has not played since March 10, after each of its past five games was cancelled or postponed because of inclement weather conditions.
Because of IPFW’s lack of play in recent weeks, the Mastodons (10-6) approached the Bobcats to add another series.
“(IPFW) hasn’t played in almost two weeks and we always want to play more games,” Ohio coach Jodi Hermanek said. “We were given the opportunity to add another series and with the newly-added lights to our field, (and) we agreed to add to our schedule.”
Tuesday, the Bobcat defense committed eight errors, while the offense recorded just six hits at the plate in two games — both of which are uncharacteristic for Ohio, after the team won 12 of its first 15 games.
“Softball is a game where if you get a hit one out of every three at-bats, you’re successful,” Hermanek said. “We have got too caught up in not being perfect lately and need to just keep progressing in the game and trust our defense and pitching.”
After practicing Wednesday, the Hermanek anticipates her squad can move past team-wide woes, as Ohio will look to regroup against IPFW, despite the Mastodons’ balanced offense.
Both Ohio and IPFW average more than five runs per game, but the Bobcats have belted 32 home runs this season, compared to IPFW’s 11 long balls.
Ohio senior first baseman Caitlin Colvin has launched 11 home runs herself — including the Bobcats’ only homer Tuesday.
Four IPFW players have driven in at least 11 runs, while five have a .313 or higher batting average. The Mastodons’ offense is fueled by junior outfielder Brittany Kachur, who has a team-high .429 average.
Expected to toss from inside the circle for the Mastodons are pitchers Miranda Kramer, a sophomore, and Megan Flenniken, a junior. The duo has combined for 109 strikeouts and nine complete games this season.
The teams have never met but share a common opponent this season, as both played Lipscomb in tournaments early this year. Ohio lost its game 6-0 at the end of February, while IPFW defeated the Bisons 5-1 the next weekend.
The doubleheader will be the second played at Ohio Softball Field this season, after Friday’s games against Dayton were moved to Athens. The home opener was originally scheduled to be Saturday against Canisius.
“I think that these opportunities where we move games to home or add more home games is going to continue in the future, which is great for our program,” Hermanek said.
UP NEXT:
IPFW (10-6) vs. Ohio (13-10)
2 p.m. and 4 p.m. Thursday
— Will be the first-ever meetings between the schools.
— Ohio has lost five consecutive games.
— IPFW has not played since March 10 because of cancellations.
cl027410@ohiou.edu
