Ohio (2-10) had an underwhelming weekend while facing the Dayton Flyers in four games, with two of those being a doubleheader at Dayton. The Bobcats were only able to tally up one victory against the Flyers, where they scored 12 runs on 17 hits while committing two errors.
The start to the season has been forgettable for this young Bobcats team, although they are still working through the growing pains of any new, experienced team. The majority of the Ohio squad is first-year Bobcats who were brought in by first-year head coach Andrew See.
Their next opponent is the Pittsburgh Panthers (8-2) in a single game this upcoming Wednesday afternoon. This season, the Panthers have been on a roll by winning four straight games. In a doubleheader last Saturday, Pittsburgh earned two victories over UNC Greensboro.
Neither of these teams has had any experience yet this season with conference matchups. In terms of history, Ohio and Pittsburgh have faced each other nine times over the span of nearly 20 years. Their last matchup was in 2014, where Pittsburgh won 6-1.
However, by just looking at the statistics, the Panthers have clear advantages over the Bobcats in a variety of ways, and more than likely come away with an at-home win.
An ACC opponent will certainly be another tough test for Ohio, which has already faced a top-ranked team in No. 24 West Virginia last week.
Game Information
Opponent: Pittsburgh Panthers (8-2, 0-0 in Atlantic Coast Conference)
Location: Charles L. Cost Field in the Petersen Sports Complex
Time: 3 p.m. ET
Where to Watch: ACCNX
Follow live stats here
Meet the opponent
Head Coach: Mike Bell (eighth season)
Projected Starters
Pittsburgh: Vincent Spizzoucco
Ohio: Mason Gass (4.24 ERA)
Statistical Leaders
Batting Average: AJ Nessler (.410)
Hits: Nessler (16)
Home Runs: Nessler (16)
RBI: Lorenzo Carrier (17)
ERA: Vincent Spizzoucco (1.69) Strikeouts: Spizzoucco (17)
Looking at Pittsburgh
With how the Panthers are playing right now, they very well could have a shot at making some noise in their respective conference. Ever since joining the ACC in 2014, Pittsburgh has had a history of knocking off higher-ranked teams.
It’s still early in the season, and a non-conference game against the Bobcats more than likely won’t be a difficult task for them.
Looking at Ohio
Having a new head coach is something that every team in history has had to adapt to, and the same goes for the Bobcats. Through the first 12 games of the season, Andrew See and his players will have to find exactly what their identity is as a team.
