Zach Keen's transition from shortstop to second base was made a lot easier by receiving a tutorial from two of Ohio's best at that position.
The freshman, who played shortstop in high school, said the knowledge of two of the Bobcats' best second basemen in coaches Joe Carbone and Scott Malinowksi has made his life much easier.
I have the two best second basemen from OU alumni to teach me in Coach Mal and Coach Carbone
he said. I'm just trying to learn from them because they know the fundamentals and they know what playing second base is all about obviously.
While the move to second has not been totally seamless, the Beavercreek native has committed only 11 errors to 105 assists for a .940 fielding percentage.
It's a big transition
Keen said. It's kind of nice with the shorter throw
but turning the opposite ways on double plays has taken some getting used to.
Although the big bats of fellow freshmen Robert Maddox III and Gauntlett Eldemire may overshadow him, Keen has become a mainstay in the Ohio lineup, starting 39 of 40 games played.
I'm just loving the fact that I'm getting to play every day
Keen said. Earlier in the year
I didn't know I was going to get the chance
but once I got in
I got to make the most of it.
Revolving door
Jeremie Rehak was the latest player to audition for the designated hitter position this past weekend against Kent State, earning the start in all three games.
The sophomore made the most of his opportunity in the role, going 6-for-9 in the series with four runs and two RBIs. Carbone said he plans to keep Rehak in the role.
He's starting to make some adjustments in his hitting and
with that
he had a positive performance this weekend
