Heading into Friday, Ohio coach Jodi Hermanek stressed that her team needed to make adjustments at the plate to avoid inconsistencies and overcome a three-game losing streak.
While she shuffled the Bobcats’ (19-18, 4-6 Mid-American Conference) batting order around, the only consistent factor for Ohio was the final result, as Miami swept a doubleheader by final scores of 1-0 and 11-5.
“Change needs to come from within,” Hermanek said. “We have to find the answer to timely hitting and putting runs together. I thought our base running put us in a lot of scoring opportunities, but offensively we keep jumping out our own skin.”
Miami (14-22, 8-2 MAC) outhit Ohio 22-12 on the day, despite a pitcher’s duel in the first game.
Freshman pitcher Savannah Jo Dorsey tossed a complete-game in the circle, allowing just one run on six hits, while striking out five RedHawks.
However, the Ohio’s struggles at the dish allowed Miami to escape with a 1-0 victory, with the lone run being scored on freshman pitcher Jenna Modic’s RBI double in the third inning.
Not only did Modic drive in the lone run, but she was a direct beneficiary of the score, as she also tossed a complete-game shutout and picked up the victory.
While the first game was a pitcher’s duel, the second game was a slugfest for the Miami offense. The RedHawks scored at least three runs in three different innings, while holding the Bobcats scoreless until the fourth.
Ohio finished the second game with just six hits — matching its total from the first game. However, the Bobcats were able to use solid base running to advance runners around the bases, rather than stranding them.
Led homers from junior third baseman Raven King and sophomore pinch hitter DJ Engleman, the Bobcats were able to avoid the eight-run mercy rule. But aside from the long ball, Ohio struggled to spark any other offense.
The Bobcats have a quick turnaround before playing next when Ball State comes to town for a pair of games Saturday and Sunday.
The Cardinals are perfect in MAC play, fueled by their high power offense. Ball State has 43 homers this season, while also posting a .327 batting average.
“Ball State is going to come our swinging,” Hermanek said. “They’re a powerful team that’s hitting over .315 as a team and has nothing to lose. So we need to come out too and show we have nothing to lose.”
In the midst of a season-long five-game losing streak, the Bobcats will attempt to get back to their winning ways with six games remaining on the homestand.
QUICK STATS:
Miami 1, Ohio 0
Miami 11, Ohio 5
— Ohio was outhit 22-12 in the games.
— The Bobcats have lost five straight games.
— Six games remain during the homestand.
cl027410@ohiou.edu
