Ohio (7-11 overall, 3-3 Mid-American Conference) returns home on Saturday for an in-conference series matchup against Central Michigan (4-17 overall, 1-5 MAC).
The Bobcats are looking to gain momentum after a disappointing loss on the road to Northern Kentucky on Tuesday. Ohio gave up 18 runs in the previous contest and is looking to have a better performance on the mound against a struggling Central Michigan team.
Here is everything to know about the Chippewas.
Game Information:
Opponent: Central Michigan
Location: Bob Wren Stadium (Athens, Ohio)
Time: Saturday at noon, Saturday at 4 p.m. and Sunday at 1 p.m.
How to watch: ESPN+
Follow live stats here
Meet the Opponent:
Head Coach: Jake Sabol (First season)
Statistical Leaders:
Batting Average: Jake Donahue (.347)
Hits: Donahue (26)
RBI: Ely Stewart (14)
Home Runs: Robby Morgan IV (2)
ERA: Evan Waters (4.86)
Strikeouts: Adam Mrakitsch (37)
History
Ohio has historically struggled against Central Michigan, trailing in the all-time battle 11-31. The Bobcats fell to the Chippewas the last time they faced off, losing 6-10 in Athens.
While the Chippewas have historically had the Bobcats’ number, they had a rough start this season under first-year head coach, Jake Sabol. Ohio will have a big opportunity to take down an in-conference opponent over the weekend.
Central Michigan Notes
Just a year ago, Central Michigan was a game away from the MAC tournament championship, following a regular season that earned it the second seed in the tournament.
Central Michigan has won just four games through its first 21 this year. The Chippewas have not won a series yet in MAC play. The last time they were victorious was in a series that came in their opening series against Stephen F. Austin.
Central Michigan is coming off a win against Oakland in its last game, giving it momentum heading into Athens.
Player to Watch: Alex Finney
The fifth-year infielder has recently been on a hot streak, carrying a three-game hit streak into this weekend’s series.
In Ohio’s last game against Northern Kentucky, Finney had himself a day. He finished the day with two hits, a double and a solo home run. The other two times he stepped up the plate he worked a walk, getting on base each time he was in the batter's box.
