After a rocky start to the 2025 season, Ohio (3-8) will officially begin Mid-American Conference action this weekend with a three-game weekend series against Bowling Green (6-5). Last season when these two teams met, the Bobcats played some of their worst baseball of the season, losing 14-5 in game one and 26-5 in game two before salvaging a narrow 4-2 win in game three.
The Falcons had one of their best seasons ever in 2024, going 24-6 in the MAC and being crowned regular-season champs. After a couple of key departures, Bowling Green entered 2025 projected to finish No. 4 in the conference, according to the MAC Preseason Coaches Poll.
Ohio will be coming off a heartbreaking midweek loss in extra innings to Marshall when it takes the field Friday. The Bobcats will have to try and put that loss behind them as they try and get off on the right foot in conference play.
Here is everything you need to know:
Series Information
Opponent: Bowling Green (6-5)
Location: Bob Wren Stadium
Dates and Times: Friday at 3 p.m., Saturday at 2 p.m. and Sunday at 1 p.m.
Game one can be seen on ESPN+
Games two and three can be streamed here
Live stats for the series can be followed here
Meet the opponent
Coach: Kyle Hallock (fifth season)
Projected pitching matchups:
Friday: Blake Gaskey for Ohio versus Nic Good
Saturday: Jacob Tate for Ohio versus Landon Willeman
Sunday: Dillon Masters for Ohio versus Jacob Turner
Statistical leaders
Batting Average: DJ Newman (.390)
RBI: Brady Birchmeier (15)
Home runs: Birchmeier (3)
ERA: Landon Willeman (3.95)
Strikeouts: Nic Good (16)
Ohio notes
Despite its recent loss against Marshall, Ohio has begun to look like a team that can compete in a strong conference. In its last weekend series against Butler, Ohio looked resilient, tallying exceptional comebacks and winning the series two games to one.
The Bobcats’ series against Bowling Green should show a lot about what this team will be able to do in the conference for the remainder of the season. How Ohio’s pitching responds to one of the best offenses in the conference is the key storyline to watch.
Player to Watch: DJ Newman
Newman is a player with a wealth of experience against Ohio and its pitching staff. Last year against the Bobcats, Newman tallied six hits in three games played while recording a home run against Ohio’s ace Blake Gaskey. Newman has had yet another excellent start to the season, hitting .390 in 41 at bats so far.
