The Rob Smith era at Ohio started with a pair of losses last Saturday. One to Belmont, a 5-1 defeat and the other to Valparaiso, which shutout the Bobcats 1-0.
Smith has told his team time and again about fundamentals and team hitting in the months leading up to the season. But it was the Bruins who utlized both, scoring three runs (all with two outs) in the first inning.
Belmont freshman pitcher Austin Coley handcuffed the Bobcats, holding them hitless during his five innings of work. He also struck out six.
The Bobcats fared a little better scratching two hits off Blake Harvery, one by freshman out fielder Nick Squires and the other by sophomore first baseman Jake Madsen. Both were left on base.
Ohio scored a run with two away in the eighth on single by Madsen which scored senior third baseman Ben Otto.
Bruins close Dan Ludwig closed the door on the Bobcats in the ninth but setting down the side in order.
In the next game, the Bobcats hitting woes continued as Madsen managed the Bobcat's lone hit against Valparaiso's Cole Webb. The junior transfer from Coffeyville Community College, struck out four, and walked only one batter in eight innings.
Ohio senior lefthander Marck Paliotto was sharpe in his season debut, allowing only one run in five innings of work, but was saddled with the loss.
The Bobcats (0-2) return to the diamond this weekend for three games against Illinois, Boston College, and New Mexico State, respectively.
nr225008@ohiou.edu
