...about the whole state of Michigan. It's Beat Michigan week of the baseball variety. Obviously, that song just doesn't really have the same kind of impact as it does during football season. I wish fans of Ohio State and Michigan cared more about their college baseball teams. Sure, fans of both schools want their team to beat the other just because of the rivalry, but they're perfectly content to read the score in the paper the morning after.
Fans of Ohio State baseball certainly should care more about the series. Michigan leads the all-time series 154-89-2. The Buckeyes made a dent in the all-time series during the 1990s. From 1990 through 2002, Ohio State was 40-18. Since Michigan became the first team to post three wins in a Big Ten Series at Bill Davis Stadium in 2003 (the first year of Michigan coach Rich Maloney), it has been all Michigan. The Team Up North has won 17 of 22 meetings, including series sweeps against the Buckeyes each of the last two years.
The Bucks won 4-2 on their way to winning last year's Big Ten Tournament in Ann Arbor. That win snapped a nine-game skid against the Maize and Blue.
In 2008, Ohio State is not playing for a first-round bye as one of the top two seeds in the tourney. It is playing for the chance just to get in. This program is not used to talking about this scenario though it seems to be becoming a trend lately. Ohio State finished fifth in 2005 and was sixth last year. Seeding doesn't matter, obviously, since the Buckeyes won the tourney each of those seasons. Only once since OSU coach Bob Todd arrived in Columbus prior to the 1988 season, have the Buckeyes missed out. That was 1996 when only four teams advanced to the conference tourney.
Michigan will be up for this series. Friday is the dedication game for the $9 million re-do of Ray Fisher Stadium. The new baseball "complex" boasts just 2,500 seats, 1,700 of which have seatbacks, a new press box and administrative offices, a state-of-the-art locker room, and a 5,750-square-foot hitting facility. Members of Michigan's 1953 and 1962 NCAA champion baseball teams will be in attendance Friday as well. The atmosphere will be rockin', rowdy and in all liklihood, classless.
Faithful fans of the Buckeye Nine will remember a similar atmosphere in 2005 when Ohio State fell victim when Michigan dedicated new lights at the stadium. That game was televised to a national audience on ESPN in rain, sleet and a little snow. In fact, that was the only game the teams played of a scheduled three-game series in mid-April thanks to the weather.
This Friday, the Big Ten Network will put it up for a limited national audience. The weather should be better, but the crowd will be as ripe.
Michigan is getting a push from second-place Purdue in the standings so it will be gunning for the sweep to maintain its lead. I would love to see a Buckeye sweep. Michigan has 17 conference wins with 12 games to play. That means they'll be gunning Ohio State's record of 25 conference victories. Ohio State won 25 league games in both 1994 and 1999. It would be nice to help keep them from matching or breaking the record. After this weekend, the Wolverines have conference games at Minnesota and at home vs. Northwestern. Seems a little surprising Purdue was not on the schedule.
Am I looking past the game Wednesday against directional Michigan? Definitely. Okay, it's Eastern Michigan. I'm not sure it matters the Eagles lead the Western Division of the Mid-American Conference. The team won't be up for the game and is likely already thinking about the Wolverines. I think we all are.
Tuesday, April 29, 2008
Sunday, April 27, 2008
Northwestern Wins Finale for Series Split
Wow! Ohio State was never in this game as Northwestern built an 8-0 lead in the first two innings and cruised to a 14-8 victory to clinch a series split with the Bucks, which fell to 22-18 overall and 10-9 in the Big Ten (Box Score).
The Wildcats scored their first eight runs off Andrew Armstrong who was making an emergency start today in place of the injured J.B. Shuck. The OSU news release on Saturday said Shuck came out of the third game of the series to rest his leg. Today's release said the coaching staff rested him because of a sore hamstring. Armstrong lasted 1.2 innings and allowed the eight runs (just four earned) on four hits. He walked three and struck out one in falling to 3-3. Once he left the game, the Buckeyes went with Alex Wimmers, Josh Edgin, Eric Best and Jared Strayer.
Ohio State finally got on board in the fourth and scored in four of the final five innings, getting three in the fifth and two in the seventh. Northwestern answered with its ninth run in the bottom of the fourth and scored five over the seventh and eighth innings.
It was an ugly game defensively. Ohio State committed six errors while the 'Cats committed three. Buckeye pitchers walked eight and Northwestern pitches issued 11 free passes, including seven by its third pitcher of the game. The Bucks did manage nine hits to 11 by Northwestern.
Tony Kennedy was 3-for-4 with an RBI and two runs scored while Ryan Meade was 3-for-5 with a triple and two runs scored. Cory Kovanda drove in two. Three different Wildcats had two hits. What a week by Kennedy. In the four games in Evanston, he was 11-for-17, good enough for a .647 batting average. He drove in three and scored eight. Throw in the two games against Akron and he batted 15-for-25 (.600) with five RBI and 11 runs scored. Not too shabby.
The Buckeyes remain in fourth place in the league standings behind Michigan, Purdue and Illinois. Overall, was it crucial to win the series? No, probably not, but it certainly would have been nice. Considering next week's series in Ann Arbor, wins will be hard to come by. The next week Ohio State hosts Illinois, another team it trails in the standings. Then it is off to Iowa to close out the season.
The Buckeye Nine threw in the towel for a regular season championship after last weekend's dismal effort vs. Purdue. Now, second place is more than likely out of reach. The goal now is to play well enough to be one of the top six seeds that will play in the league tournament. This team is much different without Shuck on the hill. Let's just get healthy.
The Wildcats scored their first eight runs off Andrew Armstrong who was making an emergency start today in place of the injured J.B. Shuck. The OSU news release on Saturday said Shuck came out of the third game of the series to rest his leg. Today's release said the coaching staff rested him because of a sore hamstring. Armstrong lasted 1.2 innings and allowed the eight runs (just four earned) on four hits. He walked three and struck out one in falling to 3-3. Once he left the game, the Buckeyes went with Alex Wimmers, Josh Edgin, Eric Best and Jared Strayer.
Ohio State finally got on board in the fourth and scored in four of the final five innings, getting three in the fifth and two in the seventh. Northwestern answered with its ninth run in the bottom of the fourth and scored five over the seventh and eighth innings.
It was an ugly game defensively. Ohio State committed six errors while the 'Cats committed three. Buckeye pitchers walked eight and Northwestern pitches issued 11 free passes, including seven by its third pitcher of the game. The Bucks did manage nine hits to 11 by Northwestern.
Tony Kennedy was 3-for-4 with an RBI and two runs scored while Ryan Meade was 3-for-5 with a triple and two runs scored. Cory Kovanda drove in two. Three different Wildcats had two hits. What a week by Kennedy. In the four games in Evanston, he was 11-for-17, good enough for a .647 batting average. He drove in three and scored eight. Throw in the two games against Akron and he batted 15-for-25 (.600) with five RBI and 11 runs scored. Not too shabby.
The Buckeyes remain in fourth place in the league standings behind Michigan, Purdue and Illinois. Overall, was it crucial to win the series? No, probably not, but it certainly would have been nice. Considering next week's series in Ann Arbor, wins will be hard to come by. The next week Ohio State hosts Illinois, another team it trails in the standings. Then it is off to Iowa to close out the season.
The Buckeye Nine threw in the towel for a regular season championship after last weekend's dismal effort vs. Purdue. Now, second place is more than likely out of reach. The goal now is to play well enough to be one of the top six seeds that will play in the league tournament. This team is much different without Shuck on the hill. Let's just get healthy.
Saturday, April 26, 2008
Another Doubleheader Split
Big Ten Network Highlights: Doubleheader Recap
Ohio State split a doubleheader at Northwestern Saturday, following a 6-4 loss in game one (Box Score) with a 13-1 victory in game two (Box Score). The Buckeyes have a 2-1 lead in the series with the final game to be played Sunday at 2:05 p.m. They beat the Wildcats 11-2 in the series opener on Friday.
In the first game Saturday, the Buckeyes went up by three in the fourth before Northwestern tied the game in the bottom of the fifth. Designated hitter Chris Macke drove in Michael Arp to put the good guys back in front in the sixth until the the Wildcats errupted for three runs and the win in the bottom of the inning.
OSU starter Dan DeLucia gave up a one-out single in the bottom of the sixth and then walked the next batter. That prompted Bob Todd to signal for Rory Meister out of the doghouse, err bullpen. Meister gave up singles to his first three batters as Northwestern moved ahead 5-4. The final run scored on a fielder's choice.
Tony Kennedy led off the top of the seventh with a single and moved to second on a ground out. Zach Hurley reached on a fielding error by Wildcat third baseman Chris Lashmet to bring the winning run to the plate with just one out, but reliever Matt Havey who came in after Kennedy's single, struck out his final to batters to pick up a save in Eric Jokisch's win. Kennedy had four of the Buckeyes' 10 hits.
Dan DeLucia took the loss for Ohio State after allowing five runs on nine hits in 5.1 innings. He falls to 1-3 on the season.
In the nightcap, Ohio State sprinted to a 10-0 lead through three innings thanks to eight runs that crossed the plate in the second, all with two out. Ryan Dew hit a three-run homer and the Bucks promptly loaded the bases to see Brian DeLucia hit an inside-the-park grand slam to left-center field. Dan Burkhart capped the inning with a solo shot.
The Buckeyes added three more in the sixth. Ryan Meade drove in two with a double to right center. Northwestern finally got on the board with Jake Wilson's pinch-hit single in the bottom of the inning.
Ohio State pounded out 14 hits and was led by Brian DeLucia who was 3-for-5 and four RBI. Kennedy, Cory Kovanda and Meade each had two hits.
Dean Wolosiansky went the distance allowing the one run on nine hits. He had four strikeouts and walked one to improve to 6-2 on the year.
Ohio State improved to 22-17 overall and 10-8 in the Big Ten. Northwestern is 15-19 and 9-10.
Ohio State split a doubleheader at Northwestern Saturday, following a 6-4 loss in game one (Box Score) with a 13-1 victory in game two (Box Score). The Buckeyes have a 2-1 lead in the series with the final game to be played Sunday at 2:05 p.m. They beat the Wildcats 11-2 in the series opener on Friday.
In the first game Saturday, the Buckeyes went up by three in the fourth before Northwestern tied the game in the bottom of the fifth. Designated hitter Chris Macke drove in Michael Arp to put the good guys back in front in the sixth until the the Wildcats errupted for three runs and the win in the bottom of the inning.
OSU starter Dan DeLucia gave up a one-out single in the bottom of the sixth and then walked the next batter. That prompted Bob Todd to signal for Rory Meister out of the doghouse, err bullpen. Meister gave up singles to his first three batters as Northwestern moved ahead 5-4. The final run scored on a fielder's choice.
Tony Kennedy led off the top of the seventh with a single and moved to second on a ground out. Zach Hurley reached on a fielding error by Wildcat third baseman Chris Lashmet to bring the winning run to the plate with just one out, but reliever Matt Havey who came in after Kennedy's single, struck out his final to batters to pick up a save in Eric Jokisch's win. Kennedy had four of the Buckeyes' 10 hits.
Dan DeLucia took the loss for Ohio State after allowing five runs on nine hits in 5.1 innings. He falls to 1-3 on the season.
In the nightcap, Ohio State sprinted to a 10-0 lead through three innings thanks to eight runs that crossed the plate in the second, all with two out. Ryan Dew hit a three-run homer and the Bucks promptly loaded the bases to see Brian DeLucia hit an inside-the-park grand slam to left-center field. Dan Burkhart capped the inning with a solo shot.
The Buckeyes added three more in the sixth. Ryan Meade drove in two with a double to right center. Northwestern finally got on the board with Jake Wilson's pinch-hit single in the bottom of the inning.
Ohio State pounded out 14 hits and was led by Brian DeLucia who was 3-for-5 and four RBI. Kennedy, Cory Kovanda and Meade each had two hits.
Dean Wolosiansky went the distance allowing the one run on nine hits. He had four strikeouts and walked one to improve to 6-2 on the year.
Ohio State improved to 22-17 overall and 10-8 in the Big Ten. Northwestern is 15-19 and 9-10.
Friday, April 25, 2008
Bucks Claim Game One Against 'Cats
The Buckeyes desparately needed a win and they got it Friday at Northwestern in the first of four Big Ten games between the teams this weekend at Rocky Miller Park in Evanston.
Northwestern scored two runs in the first, but then it was all Ohio State, which cruised to an 11-2 victory (Box Score). The offense exploded for 19 hits, including doubles by Dan Burkhart, Justin Miller and Tony Kennedy. Miller was 3-for-6 with two RBI, while Michael Arp was 3-for-4 with a pair of runs scored. Kennedy and Ryan Meade each added two hits.
OSU starter Jake Hale last 8.0 innings and was able to settle down after giving up the two early runs. He scattered eight hits in improving to 5-1 this season. He did give up a pair of doubles and a home run while walking three and fanning three. Rory Meister pitched a scoreless ninth though gave up one hit. The Wildcats finished with nine hits and two errors. The Buckeyes did not have an error.
Ohio State improved to 21-16 overall and 9-7 in Big Ten action. Northwestern is 14-18 and 8-9. Northwestern recap.
The teams contine action Saturday with a doubleheader that will be televised by the Big Ten Network begining at 1:05 p.m., ET. The first pitch was moved up an hour to accommodate the telecast. The series concludes Sunday with a single game at 2:05 p.m.
In case you missed it on ohiostatebuckeyes.com, they posted video interviews with J.B. Shuck and Cory Kovanda heading into the series this weekend at Northwestern.
Northwestern scored two runs in the first, but then it was all Ohio State, which cruised to an 11-2 victory (Box Score). The offense exploded for 19 hits, including doubles by Dan Burkhart, Justin Miller and Tony Kennedy. Miller was 3-for-6 with two RBI, while Michael Arp was 3-for-4 with a pair of runs scored. Kennedy and Ryan Meade each added two hits.
OSU starter Jake Hale last 8.0 innings and was able to settle down after giving up the two early runs. He scattered eight hits in improving to 5-1 this season. He did give up a pair of doubles and a home run while walking three and fanning three. Rory Meister pitched a scoreless ninth though gave up one hit. The Wildcats finished with nine hits and two errors. The Buckeyes did not have an error.
Ohio State improved to 21-16 overall and 9-7 in Big Ten action. Northwestern is 14-18 and 8-9. Northwestern recap.
The teams contine action Saturday with a doubleheader that will be televised by the Big Ten Network begining at 1:05 p.m., ET. The first pitch was moved up an hour to accommodate the telecast. The series concludes Sunday with a single game at 2:05 p.m.
In case you missed it on ohiostatebuckeyes.com, they posted video interviews with J.B. Shuck and Cory Kovanda heading into the series this weekend at Northwestern.
Thursday, April 24, 2008
Ohio State vs. N'western Weekend Hype
Ohio State Buckeyes
(20-16, 8-7 Big Ten)
at
Northwestern Wildcats
(14-17; 8-8 Big Ten)
Weekend Schedule:
Friday: 4 p.m., ET
Saturday (DH): 1 p.m., ET
Sunday: 2 p.m., ET
Following the Team:
As usual, the audio broadcast for all four games will be available for a fee at ohiostatebuckeyes.com. AM 920 WMNI will have games one, two and four. The Big Ten Network has both games of the Saturday doubleheader, which begins at 1 p.m., ET. Ohiostatebuckeyes.com also will offer live stats.
Probable Starters from ohiostatebuckeyes.com
G1: RHP Jake Hale (4-1, 5.06 ERA) vs. LHP Joe Muraski (4-3, 5.14 ERA)
G2: LHP Dan DeLucia (1-2, 5.28) vs. RHP Bo Schultz (3-5, 7.34 ERA)
G3: RHP Dean Wolosiansky (5-2, 3.09) vs. LHP Eric Jokisch (4-2, 4.72 ERA)
G4: LHP J.B. Shuck (4-2, 2.86) vs. LHP David Jensen ( 1-3, 10.05)
Ohio State vs. Northwestern
The Ohio State vs. Northwestern rivalry dates to 1913 and includes 120 games. Ohio State leads the all-time series, 80-40. Coach Bob Todd’s Buckeyes are 28-12 all-time vs. Northwestern. Ohio State has won four straight against Northwestern and eight of the last nine. Ohio State has won the last two series - played in 2004 and 2005 - by 3-1 counts. The teams have met just twice in the last two years. The Buckeyes claimed a 9-0 decision over the second-seeded Wildcats in the 2006 Big Ten Tournament and then won a “non-conference” game last year 11-6 in Bradenton.
Team Comparison
• The Buckeyes are in fourth place in the Big Ten at 8-7 and only one-half game up on Northwestern and Penn State (both are 8-8).
• Northwestern is on a roll with nine wins in its last 12 games, including a 7-3 record in its last 10 Big Ten games after last weekend’s 3-1 series win vs. Iowa.
• The Buckeyes have lost four of their last five Big Ten games.
• The two teams are hitting an identical .292 in Big Ten play.
• Ohio State has posted a team ERA of 3.85 in Big Ten games (second in the league) and Northwestern is 6th with a 5.88 ERA.
• The Buckeyes play three of their final four Big Ten series on the road (at Northwestern; at Michigan; home vs. Illinois and at Iowa) so making the Big Ten tournament is going to require the team to be road warriors.
• Northwestern’s schedule is also tough: it travels to Illinois next week, hosts Indiana and closes the season at Michigan.
More from the Ohio State game notes
The Buckeyes will be looking to put the brakes on a skid that has them just 2-6 in their past eight games and 1-4 in the last five Big Ten games. Ohio State is third among Big Ten teams with an overall batting average of .321 and it is third in team ERA at 4.44. The team is 15-1 when it has a lead after eight innings. Six everyday players are hitting at least .300 and six have at least 15 RBI. The staff is limiting opponents to a .261 overall batting average. Four pitchers with at least 20.0 innings have ERAs under 4.00.
Big Ten Standings
Games This Weekend in the Big Ten:
Ohio State (8-7) at Northwestern (8-8); Michigan (15-1) at Indiana (4-12); Penn State (8-8) at Illinois (9-7); Minnesota (6-10) at Purdue (12-4); Iowa (5-11) at Michigan State (4-11).
(20-16, 8-7 Big Ten)
at
Northwestern Wildcats
(14-17; 8-8 Big Ten)
Weekend Schedule:
Friday: 4 p.m., ET
Saturday (DH): 1 p.m., ET
Sunday: 2 p.m., ET
Following the Team:
As usual, the audio broadcast for all four games will be available for a fee at ohiostatebuckeyes.com. AM 920 WMNI will have games one, two and four. The Big Ten Network has both games of the Saturday doubleheader, which begins at 1 p.m., ET. Ohiostatebuckeyes.com also will offer live stats.
Probable Starters from ohiostatebuckeyes.com
G1: RHP Jake Hale (4-1, 5.06 ERA) vs. LHP Joe Muraski (4-3, 5.14 ERA)
G2: LHP Dan DeLucia (1-2, 5.28) vs. RHP Bo Schultz (3-5, 7.34 ERA)
G3: RHP Dean Wolosiansky (5-2, 3.09) vs. LHP Eric Jokisch (4-2, 4.72 ERA)
G4: LHP J.B. Shuck (4-2, 2.86) vs. LHP David Jensen ( 1-3, 10.05)
Ohio State vs. Northwestern
The Ohio State vs. Northwestern rivalry dates to 1913 and includes 120 games. Ohio State leads the all-time series, 80-40. Coach Bob Todd’s Buckeyes are 28-12 all-time vs. Northwestern. Ohio State has won four straight against Northwestern and eight of the last nine. Ohio State has won the last two series - played in 2004 and 2005 - by 3-1 counts. The teams have met just twice in the last two years. The Buckeyes claimed a 9-0 decision over the second-seeded Wildcats in the 2006 Big Ten Tournament and then won a “non-conference” game last year 11-6 in Bradenton.
Team Comparison
• The Buckeyes are in fourth place in the Big Ten at 8-7 and only one-half game up on Northwestern and Penn State (both are 8-8).
• Northwestern is on a roll with nine wins in its last 12 games, including a 7-3 record in its last 10 Big Ten games after last weekend’s 3-1 series win vs. Iowa.
• The Buckeyes have lost four of their last five Big Ten games.
• The two teams are hitting an identical .292 in Big Ten play.
• Ohio State has posted a team ERA of 3.85 in Big Ten games (second in the league) and Northwestern is 6th with a 5.88 ERA.
• The Buckeyes play three of their final four Big Ten series on the road (at Northwestern; at Michigan; home vs. Illinois and at Iowa) so making the Big Ten tournament is going to require the team to be road warriors.
• Northwestern’s schedule is also tough: it travels to Illinois next week, hosts Indiana and closes the season at Michigan.
More from the Ohio State game notes
The Buckeyes will be looking to put the brakes on a skid that has them just 2-6 in their past eight games and 1-4 in the last five Big Ten games. Ohio State is third among Big Ten teams with an overall batting average of .321 and it is third in team ERA at 4.44. The team is 15-1 when it has a lead after eight innings. Six everyday players are hitting at least .300 and six have at least 15 RBI. The staff is limiting opponents to a .261 overall batting average. Four pitchers with at least 20.0 innings have ERAs under 4.00.
Big Ten Standings
Games This Weekend in the Big Ten:
Ohio State (8-7) at Northwestern (8-8); Michigan (15-1) at Indiana (4-12); Penn State (8-8) at Illinois (9-7); Minnesota (6-10) at Purdue (12-4); Iowa (5-11) at Michigan State (4-11).
Newman Gets Call Up
Former Ohio State pitcher Josh Newman has returned to the Majors, joining Nick Swisher as the only Buckeyes in the bigs. Newman spent his first full day in the Rockies clubhouse Wednesday. He got the call to join the big league club in the middle of Triple-A Colorado Springs' day game Tuesday and arrived in Denver midway through Tuesday's game. It's Newman's second time up with the big league club. He pitched 2.0 innings in two appearances in a September callup last season. He appeared in seven games for the Sky Sox this year, yielding two runs in 8.1 innings.
Wednesday, April 23, 2008
Bucks Split Twinbill with Akron
Somehow the Buckeyes found a way to come back for an 8-7 victory over Akron in game one of a non-conference doubleheader Wednesday at Bill Davis Stadium. There would not be a comeback in game two as the Zips cruised to a 7-3 victory.
Ohio State recap | Game One Box Score | Game Two Box Score
OSU starter Josh Edgin gave up six runs to Akron in the first inning of game one, but the Buckeyes didn't give up in the seven-inning game. They got on the board with three runs in the third before Akron added a seventh run in the fifth inning. Ohio State was able to add three more in the sixth.
Tony Kennedy drove in the tying run in the bottom of the seventh and Cory Kovanda's sacrifice fly gave the Buckeyes the victory. Kennedy finished the game 4-for-4 with two RBI and two runs scored while Kovanda drove in two in a 1-for-4 game. Michael Arp also drove in two. Ohio State pounded out 10 hits compared to five by Akron. Neither team committed an error.
Edgin allowed six runs on just three hits in his 4.0 innings. Rory Meister got a win in pitching the final 3.0 innings though allowed one run on a pair of hits.
In nine-inning game two, it was all Zips. Akron got on the board with one in the first and added two more in the third. Ohio State got on the board with a pair of run in the bottom of the third to close within a 3-2 score. That is as close as it would get. The Zips went on to add two in the fifth and two more in the ninth. The Bucks managed just one more run in the seventh.
Drew Rucinski got the start and went just 4.0 innings. He allowed three runs on eight hits. Andrew Armstrong, Jared Strayer and Eric Best were also used in game two. The four OSU pitchers allowed 14 hits.
Ohio State got 11 hits in the nightcap, getting two hits each from Kovanda, J.B. Shuck, Justin Miller, Ryan Dew and Dan Burkhart. Zach Hurley had the other. Miller drove in two.
Akron's win in game two was the first win for Zips' skipper Pat Bangtson against his former mentor, Bob Todd. Bangtson pitched for Todd at Kent State and was an assistant coach for Todd at Ohio State.
The-Ozone.net Photo Galleries: Game One | Game Two
No word on how many burgers were consumed on the first of two "Buck-a-Burger" Night promotions. The Buckeyes return to Big Ten play Friday when they open a four-game series at Northwestern.
Ohio State recap | Game One Box Score | Game Two Box Score
OSU starter Josh Edgin gave up six runs to Akron in the first inning of game one, but the Buckeyes didn't give up in the seven-inning game. They got on the board with three runs in the third before Akron added a seventh run in the fifth inning. Ohio State was able to add three more in the sixth.
Tony Kennedy drove in the tying run in the bottom of the seventh and Cory Kovanda's sacrifice fly gave the Buckeyes the victory. Kennedy finished the game 4-for-4 with two RBI and two runs scored while Kovanda drove in two in a 1-for-4 game. Michael Arp also drove in two. Ohio State pounded out 10 hits compared to five by Akron. Neither team committed an error.
Edgin allowed six runs on just three hits in his 4.0 innings. Rory Meister got a win in pitching the final 3.0 innings though allowed one run on a pair of hits.
In nine-inning game two, it was all Zips. Akron got on the board with one in the first and added two more in the third. Ohio State got on the board with a pair of run in the bottom of the third to close within a 3-2 score. That is as close as it would get. The Zips went on to add two in the fifth and two more in the ninth. The Bucks managed just one more run in the seventh.
Drew Rucinski got the start and went just 4.0 innings. He allowed three runs on eight hits. Andrew Armstrong, Jared Strayer and Eric Best were also used in game two. The four OSU pitchers allowed 14 hits.
Ohio State got 11 hits in the nightcap, getting two hits each from Kovanda, J.B. Shuck, Justin Miller, Ryan Dew and Dan Burkhart. Zach Hurley had the other. Miller drove in two.
Akron's win in game two was the first win for Zips' skipper Pat Bangtson against his former mentor, Bob Todd. Bangtson pitched for Todd at Kent State and was an assistant coach for Todd at Ohio State.
The-Ozone.net Photo Galleries: Game One | Game Two
No word on how many burgers were consumed on the first of two "Buck-a-Burger" Night promotions. The Buckeyes return to Big Ten play Friday when they open a four-game series at Northwestern.
Pupil and Mentor to Meet at The Bill
Ohio State and Akron meet in a midweek doubleheader tonight at 4:05 p.m. at Bill Davis Stadium. The teams were scheduled to play one game but with both teams trying to make up rainouts they opted to play two instead. A seven-inning game will precede the standard nine-inning affair.
From the OSU game notes...
Todd's Teams: 15-2 vs. Akron: Coach Bob Todd’s teams – Ohio State and Kent State – are 15-2 all-time vs. Akron. His Ohio State teams are 5-2 including two consecutive wins in 2004 (4-3) and 2007 (7-2). His Kent State teams were 10-0. Buckeye teams all-time are 25-17 vs. the Zips.
Student & Teacher: Akron coach Pat Bangtson and Ohio State’s Bob Todd know each other quite well. Bangtson spent four seasons as a student-athlete on Todd’s Kent State teams and then he coached for 14 years with Todd at Ohio State. The games today will be just the second and third games the two will be coaching opposites. Last year in the first meeting between pupil and mentor, Todd’s Buckeyes prevailed, 7-2, at Bill Davis Stadium.
#36 is Trent Luyster: In his first year as a volunteer assistant with the Akron baseball program is former Buckeye Trent Luyster. He works with the Zips’ pitchers. Luyster was 14-10 with a 4.49 ERA in 61 appearances (29 starts) for Ohio State from 2002-2005. He graduated in 2006 with a degree in human development and family sciences.
From the OSU game notes...
Todd's Teams: 15-2 vs. Akron: Coach Bob Todd’s teams – Ohio State and Kent State – are 15-2 all-time vs. Akron. His Ohio State teams are 5-2 including two consecutive wins in 2004 (4-3) and 2007 (7-2). His Kent State teams were 10-0. Buckeye teams all-time are 25-17 vs. the Zips.
Student & Teacher: Akron coach Pat Bangtson and Ohio State’s Bob Todd know each other quite well. Bangtson spent four seasons as a student-athlete on Todd’s Kent State teams and then he coached for 14 years with Todd at Ohio State. The games today will be just the second and third games the two will be coaching opposites. Last year in the first meeting between pupil and mentor, Todd’s Buckeyes prevailed, 7-2, at Bill Davis Stadium.
#36 is Trent Luyster: In his first year as a volunteer assistant with the Akron baseball program is former Buckeye Trent Luyster. He works with the Zips’ pitchers. Luyster was 14-10 with a 4.49 ERA in 61 appearances (29 starts) for Ohio State from 2002-2005. He graduated in 2006 with a degree in human development and family sciences.
Monday, April 21, 2008
Two Buckeye Seniors on BTN Monday Night
Ohio State seniors Dan DeLucia and Tony Kennedy will appear on the Big Ten Network's "Big Ten Tonight" nightly sportscast Monday, April 21. The two Buckeyes will be featured on the BTN's "Talk Back" segment. Big Ten Tonight is a 60-minute program that airs Monday through Thursday, and Saturday and Sunday at 10 p.m. ET. Bringing the viewer Big Ten highlights, analysis, features, historical segments, interviews and breaking news, Big Ten Tonight has a mini-studio at each campus, providing Big Ten Tonight with interviews with coaches and players on a nightly basis.
Big Ten Network Adds Buckeye Telecasts
The Big Ten Network has added two more Ohio State road games to its upcoming baseball programming schedule. The additional dates give Ohio State a total of nine regular season appearances on the Big Ten Network, the most by any school. Upcoming Ohio State baseball games that will be televised on the Big Ten Network include:
Sat., April 26 – Ohio State at Northwestern (DH), 1 p.m., ET
Fri., May 2 – Ohio State at Michigan , 6:35 p.m., ET
Sat., May 17 – Ohio State at Iowa , 2 p.m., ET
The start time for the Ohio State at Northwestern doubleheader April 26 has been changed to 1 p.m. from its initial 2 p.m. start. Both games of the doubleheader will be televised.
Big Ten Network Adds Buckeye Telecasts
The Big Ten Network has added two more Ohio State road games to its upcoming baseball programming schedule. The additional dates give Ohio State a total of nine regular season appearances on the Big Ten Network, the most by any school. Upcoming Ohio State baseball games that will be televised on the Big Ten Network include:
Sat., April 26 – Ohio State at Northwestern (DH), 1 p.m., ET
Fri., May 2 – Ohio State at Michigan , 6:35 p.m., ET
Sat., May 17 – Ohio State at Iowa , 2 p.m., ET
The start time for the Ohio State at Northwestern doubleheader April 26 has been changed to 1 p.m. from its initial 2 p.m. start. Both games of the doubleheader will be televised.
Sunday, April 20, 2008
Not Mathematically eliminated, BUT
they might as well be. At this point, I think it is a given the Buckeyes will not win the Big Ten regular season championship. Ohio State has not claimed a conference regular season championship since 2001. Thankfully, Bob Todd's recent teams have been able to find success during a four-game stretch in mid-May to punch a ticket to the NCAA tournament. I'm not sure this young team is capable of that, but stranger things have happened. There is still a lot of baseball to be played.
Big Ten Standings (through Sunday)
1. Michigan 15-1
2. Purdue 12-4
3. Illinois 9-7
4. Ohio State 8-7
T5. Penn State 8-8
T5. Northwestern 8-8
T7. Minnesota 6-10
T7. Iowa 6-10
9. Michigan State 4-11
10. Indiana 4-12
Big Ten Standings (through Sunday)
1. Michigan 15-1
2. Purdue 12-4
3. Illinois 9-7
4. Ohio State 8-7
T5. Penn State 8-8
T5. Northwestern 8-8
T7. Minnesota 6-10
T7. Iowa 6-10
9. Michigan State 4-11
10. Indiana 4-12
Bucks Split Doubleheader, but Boilers Win Series
Ohio State clearly had to be feeling good. After losing the first two games of the series to Purdue, the Buckeyes took the opening game of a Sunday twinbill by an 8-4 count. In game two, they had led 5-1 through seven and appeared to be cruising to a series split, but then the bottom fell out and they ended up losing 7-5.
Ohio State recap
Game One Box Score | Game Two Box Score
The Buckeyes led 5-1 late in the first game and allowed three runs in the sixth before coming back with three of their own for a four-run victory. In the second game, they led by the same margin heading to the eighth, but Purdue scored three runs to make it a one-run game. Ohio State got nothing in the bottom of the eighth.
In the top of the ninth Buckeye killer Ryne White hit a three-run bomb to right. White hit two home runs Friday nearly single-handedly win the opener. Sunday he won the finale. There were two on and one out when he came to the plate so there was clearly a spot open for him on base. I’m fairly certain I would have taken my chances on Jordan Comadena and Dan Black who followed White’s heroics. Comadena ended up grounding out and Black struck out, though clearly they were up in non-pressure situations and a two-run lead rather than trying to make something happen.
Shuck, the starting pitcher in game two, went 7.0 innings and allowed just one run on four hits. He struck out seven and walked two. Alex Wimmers gave up the homer to White. Those were the only runs he allowed on two hits in 2.0 innings. The loss was his first collegiate decision.
After three RBI in the first game, Miller went a perfect 4-for-4 and drove in another run in game two. The Cories each added two hits. Cory Kovanda was 2-for-3 with two RBI and Cory Rupert was 2-for-4. Purdue scored its seven runs on eight hits and committed an error while Ohio State scored five runs on 11 hits and committed two errors.
In game one, he Buckeyes built a 5-1 lead through the first three innings of game one and survived a three-run sixth by the Boilermakers that pulled them within a 5-4 score. The Buckeye Nine scored three runs of their own in the bottom of the frame to reclaim a four-run lead. Tyler Engle and Shuck delivered singles with one out. Then after another out the runners both moved into scoring position on a wild pitch. Engle scored on a single by pinch hitter Michael Arp and Miller plated two more with a single to left.
Shuck was 2-for-3 and Kovanda was 2-for-4 though it was Miller’s three RBI that propelled Ohio State, which finished the game with 12 hits and two errors. Every Buckeye with a plate appearance had a hit. Purdue collected nine hits, including eight off OSU starter Dean Wolosiansky, who pitched 5.2 innings to get the win. He is now 5-2. Eric Best pitched the final 1.1 innings.
The-Ozone.net recap The-Ozone.net Photo Galleries: Game 3 and Game 4
Ohio State is now 19-15 on the season and 8-7 in conference play while Purdue, by virtue of taking three of four games in Columbus, is now 20-17 and 12-4 in the Big Ten. This was the first series win by Purdue against a Bob Todd-led Ohio State team. The Buckeyes welcome Akron Wednesday for a double dip beginning at 4:05 p.m.
Ohio State recap
Game One Box Score | Game Two Box Score
The Buckeyes led 5-1 late in the first game and allowed three runs in the sixth before coming back with three of their own for a four-run victory. In the second game, they led by the same margin heading to the eighth, but Purdue scored three runs to make it a one-run game. Ohio State got nothing in the bottom of the eighth.
In the top of the ninth Buckeye killer Ryne White hit a three-run bomb to right. White hit two home runs Friday nearly single-handedly win the opener. Sunday he won the finale. There were two on and one out when he came to the plate so there was clearly a spot open for him on base. I’m fairly certain I would have taken my chances on Jordan Comadena and Dan Black who followed White’s heroics. Comadena ended up grounding out and Black struck out, though clearly they were up in non-pressure situations and a two-run lead rather than trying to make something happen.
Shuck, the starting pitcher in game two, went 7.0 innings and allowed just one run on four hits. He struck out seven and walked two. Alex Wimmers gave up the homer to White. Those were the only runs he allowed on two hits in 2.0 innings. The loss was his first collegiate decision.
After three RBI in the first game, Miller went a perfect 4-for-4 and drove in another run in game two. The Cories each added two hits. Cory Kovanda was 2-for-3 with two RBI and Cory Rupert was 2-for-4. Purdue scored its seven runs on eight hits and committed an error while Ohio State scored five runs on 11 hits and committed two errors.
In game one, he Buckeyes built a 5-1 lead through the first three innings of game one and survived a three-run sixth by the Boilermakers that pulled them within a 5-4 score. The Buckeye Nine scored three runs of their own in the bottom of the frame to reclaim a four-run lead. Tyler Engle and Shuck delivered singles with one out. Then after another out the runners both moved into scoring position on a wild pitch. Engle scored on a single by pinch hitter Michael Arp and Miller plated two more with a single to left.
Shuck was 2-for-3 and Kovanda was 2-for-4 though it was Miller’s three RBI that propelled Ohio State, which finished the game with 12 hits and two errors. Every Buckeye with a plate appearance had a hit. Purdue collected nine hits, including eight off OSU starter Dean Wolosiansky, who pitched 5.2 innings to get the win. He is now 5-2. Eric Best pitched the final 1.1 innings.
The-Ozone.net recap The-Ozone.net Photo Galleries: Game 3 and Game 4
Ohio State is now 19-15 on the season and 8-7 in conference play while Purdue, by virtue of taking three of four games in Columbus, is now 20-17 and 12-4 in the Big Ten. This was the first series win by Purdue against a Bob Todd-led Ohio State team. The Buckeyes welcome Akron Wednesday for a double dip beginning at 4:05 p.m.
Saturday, April 19, 2008
Buckeyes Shutout, Will Play Two Sunday
The Buckeyes got rocked by Purdue 8-0 Saturday thanks to a five-run third inning by the Boilermakers (box score). The victory ensures no worse than a series split with the Buckeyes, who were hoping to close the gap with second-place Purdue this weekend and stay within striking distance of first-place Michigan. Ohio State travels to Ann Arbor in two weeks after visiting Northwestern next weekend.
With one on and one out in the top of the third, Brandon Haveman drove in the first run with a single. Another single and a walk by OSU starter Dan DeLucia loaded the bases for Dan Black who connected and sent a ball over the fence in right-center field. Two more crossed in the fifth. All seven of those runs were against DeLucia who dropped to 1-2 in his sixth start of the season. Purdue touched him for seven hits, including a double and two home runs, and he walked two against four strikeouts.
Jared Strayer allowed the final Purdue run in the sixth on two hits. Rory Meister pitched a solid seventh, getting the Boilers in order.
Ohio State did not get a hit until J.B. Shuck doubled in the fourth. Justin Miller followed with a single but Purdue leftfielder Jordan Comadena fired home where he nabbed Shuck to keep the shutout intact.
The Buckeyes had runners at second and third with two out in the fifth inning but could not score. In the sixth they had two on and one out, but an untimely double-play ended any potential rally. Ohio State finished the game with six hits but had nothing to show for it.
Dispatch Recap
The second game of the scheduled doubleheader Saturday was pushed back until Sunday. The teams will now play two games -- first a seven-inning game and then a nine-inning game -- beginning at 1:05 p.m. Sunday.
With one on and one out in the top of the third, Brandon Haveman drove in the first run with a single. Another single and a walk by OSU starter Dan DeLucia loaded the bases for Dan Black who connected and sent a ball over the fence in right-center field. Two more crossed in the fifth. All seven of those runs were against DeLucia who dropped to 1-2 in his sixth start of the season. Purdue touched him for seven hits, including a double and two home runs, and he walked two against four strikeouts.
Jared Strayer allowed the final Purdue run in the sixth on two hits. Rory Meister pitched a solid seventh, getting the Boilers in order.
Ohio State did not get a hit until J.B. Shuck doubled in the fourth. Justin Miller followed with a single but Purdue leftfielder Jordan Comadena fired home where he nabbed Shuck to keep the shutout intact.
The Buckeyes had runners at second and third with two out in the fifth inning but could not score. In the sixth they had two on and one out, but an untimely double-play ended any potential rally. Ohio State finished the game with six hits but had nothing to show for it.
Dispatch Recap
The second game of the scheduled doubleheader Saturday was pushed back until Sunday. The teams will now play two games -- first a seven-inning game and then a nine-inning game -- beginning at 1:05 p.m. Sunday.
Friday, April 18, 2008
Buckeyes Lose, Fail at Attendance Record
Photo by Jim Davidson for the-Ozone.net | The-Ozone.net Photo Gallery
Ohio State lost twice Friday night, though only once officially. Purdue claimed a 7-4 victory (box score) and the Buckeyes drew just 3,093 fans, far short of the 5,360 fans that set the stadium record in 2002. The game was the first of four games targeted by the OSU athletics department to set school or national attendance records.
While that was a blow to the campaign, the baseball team slipped even further behind in its chase toward a regular season Big Ten title. Michigan beat Michigan State to improve to 12-1 in league play, while Purdue increased its second-place lead over the Buckeyes, improving to 10-3. Ohio State is now 7-5 in league play.
Ryne White gave Purdue a 1-0 lead with a solo homer in the first and the Boilermakers added two more in the fifth before Ohio State got a home run from Zach Hurley in the bottom of the inning. The Buckeyes added another in the sixth to pull within a 3-2 score, but the Boilers responded with three runs in the seventh. Two more OSU runs crossed in the bottom of the seventh before allowing a second home run to White in the top of the ninth.
White finished the game 4-for-4 with 3 RBI and three runs scored. Brandon Haveman was 3-for-4 and Jordan "Funky" Comadena added a pair of hits.
OSU starter Jake Hale was touched six runs on 11 hits in 6.1 innings. He struck out four and walked two in dropping his first decision of the season (4-1). Andrew Armstrong and Alex Wimmers each allowed two hits in their 1.1 innings as Buckeye pitching allowed 15 hits.
Ohio State managed just five hits and stranded baserunners. Dan Burkhart was 2-for-3 with one RBI and one run scored. Purdue left 11 runners on base so the outcome could have been much worse for the Buckeyes.
The loss was the first in a conference opener for Ohio State this season. It also was the first time this season the top four in the batting order went hitless. Purdue's top four accounted for 10 hits.
The-Ozone.net recap | Columbus Dispatch Story | Purdue recap
Better luck to the men's lacrosse and football teams as they go for national attendance marks Saturday in Ohio Stadium. Men's LaX plays Denver at 11 a.m. and the football Buckeyes play their annual spring game with kickoff slated for 1:30 p.m. Sunday, the softball team will try to set a school attendance mark against Penn State.
Of course, the Buckeyes and Boilermakers continue the four-game Big Ten series Saturday with a doubleheader at 1:05 p.m.
Big, Big Ten Series This Weekend at 'The Bill'
Purdue Boilermakers
(17-16, 9-3 Big Ten)
at
Ohio State Buckeyes
(18-12, 7-4 Big Ten)
Weekend Schedule:
Friday, 6:35 p.m.
Saturday (DH), 1:05 p.m.
Sunday, 1:05 p.m.
AM 920 WMNI will broadcast games one, two and four. Audio from all for games will be available online at ohiostatebuckeyes.com, which also has Buckeye Vision. Both audio and video is available for subscription. Gamewatcher, the live stats program, is free of charge.
Probable Starters from ohiostatebuckeyes.com
G1: RHP Jake Hale (4-0, 4.46 ERA) vs.
RHP Matt Bischoff (1-2, 4.24)
G2: LHP Dan DeLucia (1-1, 3.75) vs.
LHP Kyle Cook (2-1, 3.68)
G3: RHP Dean Wolosiansky (4-2, 3.08) vs.
RHP Allan Donato (2-3, 3.07)
G4: LHP J.B. Shuck (4-2, 3.12) vs.
LHP Connor Sestak (1-2, 5.50)
or LHP Matt Jansen (2-1, 7.67)
More from the Ohio State game notes:
• The Buckeyes snapped out of a minor hitting lull (they had less than 10 hits in five of their previous six games) with 18 hits against Louisville.
• The team has had 18 or more hits five times this season.
• Ohio State has scored more runs than its opponent in every inning except the seventh. The 22-run advantage (35-13) for the opposition is the largest difference of any inning.
• The team has been involved in four consecutive one-run games with losses in each of the last two games (1-0 to Michigan State and 13-12 to Louisville).
• Eric Best has now pitched 10.2 innings without allowing an earned run.
• Ryan Dew is riding a six-game hitting streak that has raised his average 36 percentage points to .258. He leads the Buckeye hitters in Big Ten games with a .391 average and eight RBI.
• J.B. Shuck, who scored a career high four runs vs. Louisville, has topped 200 career innings pitched. He has 201.2.
• Alex Wimmers averages 1.5 strikeouts per inning pitched.
• Ohio State has been involved in seven shutouts this season, winning four and losing three.
• The Buckeyes are pretty good at holding leads: the team is 13-3 when leading after the fourth inning, 14-1 after the sixth and 15-0 after the eighth.
Weekend Promotional Schedule:
Friday
• Break the Record Night
• RHAC/Explore Columbus Night for Ohio State students
• 80's Flashback Friday - Music/Entertainment
• See the sky over Bill Davis Stadium light up with post game fireworks
Sunday
• Columbus Zoo - Come see your favorite animals from the Zoo
• Four Pack Day-for only $26 receive four tickets, four hot dogs, four sodas, and four popcorns
• Post game autographs and kids can run the bases
• Youth baseball Day
Big Ten Standings
Games This Weekend in the Big Ten:
Purdue (9-3) at Ohio State (7-4), Michigan State (4-7) vs. Michigan (11-1); Illinois (6-6) at Minnesota (5-7); Indiana (4-8) at Penn State (4-8); and, Northwestern (5-7) at Iowa (4-8).
(17-16, 9-3 Big Ten)
at
Ohio State Buckeyes
(18-12, 7-4 Big Ten)
Weekend Schedule:
Friday, 6:35 p.m.
Saturday (DH), 1:05 p.m.
Sunday, 1:05 p.m.
AM 920 WMNI will broadcast games one, two and four. Audio from all for games will be available online at ohiostatebuckeyes.com, which also has Buckeye Vision. Both audio and video is available for subscription. Gamewatcher, the live stats program, is free of charge.
Probable Starters from ohiostatebuckeyes.com
G1: RHP Jake Hale (4-0, 4.46 ERA) vs.
RHP Matt Bischoff (1-2, 4.24)
G2: LHP Dan DeLucia (1-1, 3.75) vs.
LHP Kyle Cook (2-1, 3.68)
G3: RHP Dean Wolosiansky (4-2, 3.08) vs.
RHP Allan Donato (2-3, 3.07)
G4: LHP J.B. Shuck (4-2, 3.12) vs.
LHP Connor Sestak (1-2, 5.50)
or LHP Matt Jansen (2-1, 7.67)
More from the Ohio State game notes:
• The Buckeyes snapped out of a minor hitting lull (they had less than 10 hits in five of their previous six games) with 18 hits against Louisville.
• The team has had 18 or more hits five times this season.
• Ohio State has scored more runs than its opponent in every inning except the seventh. The 22-run advantage (35-13) for the opposition is the largest difference of any inning.
• The team has been involved in four consecutive one-run games with losses in each of the last two games (1-0 to Michigan State and 13-12 to Louisville).
• Eric Best has now pitched 10.2 innings without allowing an earned run.
• Ryan Dew is riding a six-game hitting streak that has raised his average 36 percentage points to .258. He leads the Buckeye hitters in Big Ten games with a .391 average and eight RBI.
• J.B. Shuck, who scored a career high four runs vs. Louisville, has topped 200 career innings pitched. He has 201.2.
• Alex Wimmers averages 1.5 strikeouts per inning pitched.
• Ohio State has been involved in seven shutouts this season, winning four and losing three.
• The Buckeyes are pretty good at holding leads: the team is 13-3 when leading after the fourth inning, 14-1 after the sixth and 15-0 after the eighth.
Weekend Promotional Schedule:
Friday
• Break the Record Night
• RHAC/Explore Columbus Night for Ohio State students
• 80's Flashback Friday - Music/Entertainment
• See the sky over Bill Davis Stadium light up with post game fireworks
Sunday
• Columbus Zoo - Come see your favorite animals from the Zoo
• Four Pack Day-for only $26 receive four tickets, four hot dogs, four sodas, and four popcorns
• Post game autographs and kids can run the bases
• Youth baseball Day
Big Ten Standings
Games This Weekend in the Big Ten:
Purdue (9-3) at Ohio State (7-4), Michigan State (4-7) vs. Michigan (11-1); Illinois (6-6) at Minnesota (5-7); Indiana (4-8) at Penn State (4-8); and, Northwestern (5-7) at Iowa (4-8).
Bucks Hoping to Set School Record
The Ohio State athletics department is trying to set two national attendance records and two school attendance records at sporting events on the OSU campus this weekend. The first attempt will happen tonight at Bill Davis Stadium in the opening game of a series between the third-place Buckeyes and second-place Purdue Boilermakers.
The baseball attendance they are trying to top is 5,360 set in 2002 in a doubleheader against Minnesota. I have always questioned that attendance record. Back then, attendance figures were not as scientific. In 2003, the marketing department and ticket office tried to come up with better standards to determine actual attendance. I argue the crowds that attended the 2003 NCAA super regional games between Ohio State and then-Southwest Missouri State were larger, but those are listed right around 5,100.
Dispatch columnist Bob Hunter wrote in a column this morning he is rooting against the campaign because of the marketing department, which is trying "to squeeze a little glory out of bogus records."
At any rate it is a nice gesture to try and set the school attendance record. I wish the department, specifically marketing and promotions, put as much effort trying to fill the seats for every other home baseball game. My guess is this attempt to set all four records will fall short right out of the gate.
Go Bucks!
The baseball attendance they are trying to top is 5,360 set in 2002 in a doubleheader against Minnesota. I have always questioned that attendance record. Back then, attendance figures were not as scientific. In 2003, the marketing department and ticket office tried to come up with better standards to determine actual attendance. I argue the crowds that attended the 2003 NCAA super regional games between Ohio State and then-Southwest Missouri State were larger, but those are listed right around 5,100.
Dispatch columnist Bob Hunter wrote in a column this morning he is rooting against the campaign because of the marketing department, which is trying "to squeeze a little glory out of bogus records."
At any rate it is a nice gesture to try and set the school attendance record. I wish the department, specifically marketing and promotions, put as much effort trying to fill the seats for every other home baseball game. My guess is this attempt to set all four records will fall short right out of the gate.
Go Bucks!
Dispatch Story on J.B. Shuck
Mark Znidar wrote a nice story about J.B. Shuck in this morning's Columbus Dispatch. At least the paper sees value in covering home Big Ten series. I still argue it should be covering all baseball games, certainly all Big Ten games.
This is a huge series this weekend pitting No. 2 Purdue and No. 3 Ohio State. The winner of the series will stay within striking distance of top-ranked Michigan, while the loser will be even further back of the Wolverines, which have lost just once in 12 Big Ten games.
This is a huge series this weekend pitting No. 2 Purdue and No. 3 Ohio State. The winner of the series will stay within striking distance of top-ranked Michigan, while the loser will be even further back of the Wolverines, which have lost just once in 12 Big Ten games.
Wednesday, April 16, 2008
Buckeyes Drop Hit-fest to Louisville, 13-12
There were a lot of crooked numbers on the scoreboard and when the final out was made, Louisville emerged with a 13-12 victory over Ohio State Wednesday night in a non-conference contest at Bill Davis Stadium (box score).
The-Ozone.net Photo Gallery
Seven runs crossed the plate in the first inning when Ohio State was able to claim a 5-2 lead, but the Cardinals pulled within one, 5-4, with two in the third before getting their big inning, scoring four times in the fourth to move ahead, 8-5. They scored another run in the fifth and the Buckeyes answered with two in the bottom of the frame to close to a 9-7 score. Each team scored twice in the sixth and Louisville appeared to be in control with two more in the seventh to build a 13-9 lead.
Ohio State scored three unearned runs in the eighth to pull within the 13-12 score and the potential tying run was nabbed at the plate for the final out. Louisville threatened in the ninth, but the Buckeyes escaped unscathed. The Buckeyes got the lead-off man on in the bottom of the ninth and sacrificed him to second, but Tony Kennedy and Cory Kovanda struck out to end the game.
The teams combined for 37 hits, 19 by the Cardinals and 18 by Ohio State.
The Buckeyes got a long ball from Justin Miller, who finished the game 5-for-5 with five RBI and three runs scored. His other four hits were singles. His home run was just the eighth hit by a Buckeye this season. Tony Kennedy was 3-for-6 and scored twice while the Buckeyes also got multiple hits from J.B. Shuck, Zach Hurley, Dan Burkhart and Brian DeLucia, who provided Ohio State’s only other extra-base hit, a two-run double in the first.
Buckeye pitching had allowed only 11 home runs all season, but surrendered four to the ‘Ville. Tonight, Ohio State used five different pitchers. Andrew Armstrong got the midweek nod but pitched just 3.0 innings before giving way to Drew Rucinski in the fourth. Armstrong allowed four runs (two earned) on six hits and struck out four against no walks. Josh Edgin, Alex Wimmers and Eric Best followed. Louisville used six different pitchers.
Ohio State dropped to 18-12 while Louisville, a 2007 College World Series participant, improved to 21-14.
Louisville Recap.
I would have loved to have seen this game tonight at the Bill. I like this game on the schedule and would like to see more games scheduled with teams who can help the RPI.
This weekend, third-place Ohio State (7-4) is home this weekend for four games against second-place Purdue (9-3) and the winner will be trying to keep close to Michigan (11-1), which has lost just one conference game.
The-Ozone.net Photo Gallery
Seven runs crossed the plate in the first inning when Ohio State was able to claim a 5-2 lead, but the Cardinals pulled within one, 5-4, with two in the third before getting their big inning, scoring four times in the fourth to move ahead, 8-5. They scored another run in the fifth and the Buckeyes answered with two in the bottom of the frame to close to a 9-7 score. Each team scored twice in the sixth and Louisville appeared to be in control with two more in the seventh to build a 13-9 lead.
Ohio State scored three unearned runs in the eighth to pull within the 13-12 score and the potential tying run was nabbed at the plate for the final out. Louisville threatened in the ninth, but the Buckeyes escaped unscathed. The Buckeyes got the lead-off man on in the bottom of the ninth and sacrificed him to second, but Tony Kennedy and Cory Kovanda struck out to end the game.
The teams combined for 37 hits, 19 by the Cardinals and 18 by Ohio State.
The Buckeyes got a long ball from Justin Miller, who finished the game 5-for-5 with five RBI and three runs scored. His other four hits were singles. His home run was just the eighth hit by a Buckeye this season. Tony Kennedy was 3-for-6 and scored twice while the Buckeyes also got multiple hits from J.B. Shuck, Zach Hurley, Dan Burkhart and Brian DeLucia, who provided Ohio State’s only other extra-base hit, a two-run double in the first.
Buckeye pitching had allowed only 11 home runs all season, but surrendered four to the ‘Ville. Tonight, Ohio State used five different pitchers. Andrew Armstrong got the midweek nod but pitched just 3.0 innings before giving way to Drew Rucinski in the fourth. Armstrong allowed four runs (two earned) on six hits and struck out four against no walks. Josh Edgin, Alex Wimmers and Eric Best followed. Louisville used six different pitchers.
Ohio State dropped to 18-12 while Louisville, a 2007 College World Series participant, improved to 21-14.
Louisville Recap.
I would have loved to have seen this game tonight at the Bill. I like this game on the schedule and would like to see more games scheduled with teams who can help the RPI.
This weekend, third-place Ohio State (7-4) is home this weekend for four games against second-place Purdue (9-3) and the winner will be trying to keep close to Michigan (11-1), which has lost just one conference game.
Tuesday, April 15, 2008
Buckeyes in Pro Baseball
I received this report over the weekend from the "jovial" Frank Fraas, the voice of Ohio State baseball on AM 920 WMNI. I think this report also ran on the radio broadcast on Sunday between games of the doubleheader vs. Michigan State, but he also wanted to share it with The Buckeye Nine.
Nick Swisher is the lone Buckeye in the Major Leagues. Swish was traded from the Oakland A's to the Chicago White Sox in January. He is hitting .269 with two home runs through the first eight games of the season.
Two former Buckeyes are currently in Triple-A. Josh Newman is with the Colorado Springs Sky Sox, the affiliate of the Colorado Rockies, while Doug Deeds is with the Minnesota Twins Triple-A affiliate Rochester Red Wings.
Newman had a spectacular spring with the Rockies but was sent down to start the season. So far this season he has appeared in four games and earned one save. He has an ERA of 4.50.
Deeds has not played a game yet for the Red Wings, he is currently on the seven-day disabled list.
At the Double-A Level, there are three former Buckeyes are playing.
Mike Madsen is with the Midland Rock Hounds of the Oakland A's organization. Mike is 2-0 with a 2.25 ERA in his first two starts of the season.
Drew Anderson is playing for the Chattanooga Lookouts in the Cincinnati Reds organization and is hitting .125 through the first six games of the season.
Scott Lewis was scheduled to start the season in Akron playing for the Aeros, but has remained in Florida in extended spring training as he nurses a sore arm.
In Single-A, there are four buckeyes playing.
Ronnie Bourquin is playing for the West Michigan White Caps of the Detroit Tigers organization. Bourquin is hitting .308 through the first six games with five runs batted in.
After a year in Independent ball Matt Davis was signed by the Chicago White Sox. Davis is playing for the Winston-Salem Warthogs in the Carolina League. Davis has made one appearance and is 0-1.
Matt Angle started his second season in pro ball with the Delmarva Shorebirds in the Atlantic League. He has played in just three games.
Cory Luebke is playing in Single-A with the San Diego Padres affiliate Lake Elisnore Storm. Luebke has made struggled early. In his two starts this season he is 0-1 with a 12.86 ERA.
One former Buckeye is playing Independent ball. After three years in the Northern League, Chad Ehrnsberger has moved to the Atlantic League where he is playing for the Maryland Blue Crabs.
Two Buckeyes have not been assigned yet. Jedidiah Stephen is with the Baltimore Orioles organization and is still in spring training in Florida Eric Fryer is with the Milwaukee Brewers organization and is still in spring training in Arizona.
Thanks for the excellent report. We'll look forward to more updates throughout the late spring and summer. Keep up the great work on the radio broadcasts. I know Buckeye fans appreciate the job you do.
Nick Swisher is the lone Buckeye in the Major Leagues. Swish was traded from the Oakland A's to the Chicago White Sox in January. He is hitting .269 with two home runs through the first eight games of the season.
Two former Buckeyes are currently in Triple-A. Josh Newman is with the Colorado Springs Sky Sox, the affiliate of the Colorado Rockies, while Doug Deeds is with the Minnesota Twins Triple-A affiliate Rochester Red Wings.
Newman had a spectacular spring with the Rockies but was sent down to start the season. So far this season he has appeared in four games and earned one save. He has an ERA of 4.50.
Deeds has not played a game yet for the Red Wings, he is currently on the seven-day disabled list.
At the Double-A Level, there are three former Buckeyes are playing.
Mike Madsen is with the Midland Rock Hounds of the Oakland A's organization. Mike is 2-0 with a 2.25 ERA in his first two starts of the season.
Drew Anderson is playing for the Chattanooga Lookouts in the Cincinnati Reds organization and is hitting .125 through the first six games of the season.
Scott Lewis was scheduled to start the season in Akron playing for the Aeros, but has remained in Florida in extended spring training as he nurses a sore arm.
In Single-A, there are four buckeyes playing.
Ronnie Bourquin is playing for the West Michigan White Caps of the Detroit Tigers organization. Bourquin is hitting .308 through the first six games with five runs batted in.
After a year in Independent ball Matt Davis was signed by the Chicago White Sox. Davis is playing for the Winston-Salem Warthogs in the Carolina League. Davis has made one appearance and is 0-1.
Matt Angle started his second season in pro ball with the Delmarva Shorebirds in the Atlantic League. He has played in just three games.
Cory Luebke is playing in Single-A with the San Diego Padres affiliate Lake Elisnore Storm. Luebke has made struggled early. In his two starts this season he is 0-1 with a 12.86 ERA.
One former Buckeye is playing Independent ball. After three years in the Northern League, Chad Ehrnsberger has moved to the Atlantic League where he is playing for the Maryland Blue Crabs.
Two Buckeyes have not been assigned yet. Jedidiah Stephen is with the Baltimore Orioles organization and is still in spring training in Florida Eric Fryer is with the Milwaukee Brewers organization and is still in spring training in Arizona.
Thanks for the excellent report. We'll look forward to more updates throughout the late spring and summer. Keep up the great work on the radio broadcasts. I know Buckeye fans appreciate the job you do.
Sunday, April 13, 2008
Sweep Denied
Ohio State scored five runs in the fourth inning and held on for a 5-4 victory over Michigan State in game one of Sunday's doubleheader (box score). In the second game, Michigan State scored the game's only run in the eighth inning on a bases loaded walk to force a doubleheader split and avoid a three-game series sweep by Ohio State (box score). The Buckeyes needed 11 innings to claim a 5-4 victory on Friday.
Dean Wolosiansky got the start in game one, giving Dan DeLucia the weekend off to rest his elbow. Wolo was touched for two runs on seven hits in 4.2 innings of work before getting replaced by Andrew Armstrong who allowed two runs in his 1.1 innings. Eric Best pitched the seventh and retired the batters in order to pick up his second save of the weekend and his fourth fo the season.
Shuck was the only Buckeye with multiple hits in a 3-for-4 peformance. He had one RBI. Zach Hurley, Ryan Dew, Dan Burkhart and Tyler Engle drove in the other runs. Each team had nine hits. Ohio State committed the game's only error.
Shuck was the starter in the second game of the twinbill and was cruising along nice, though was not backed by any offense. The Buckeyes managed just two hits, one by Tony Kennedy and another by Ryan Dew.
Michigan State finally wore on Shuck in the eighth, getting two of their four hits in the inning. He allowed a single to start the inning before getting that runner on a fielder's choice bunt. He issued a walk and gave up a bunt single to load the bases before giving way to freshman Alex Wimmers. Wimmers struck out his first batter before walking in the decisive run.
Shuck was saddled with an unfortunate loss to fall to 4-2 on the year. He struck out seven against three walks, including one in the eighth.
A conference rule is in place to not allow a team to start three games in one day so the fourth game of the series was cancelled and will not be made up.
The Buckeyes are now 18-11 overall and 7-4 in the Big Ten, while Michigan State is 13-16 and 4-7. Ohio State will host Louisville Wednesday at 6:35 p.m. at Bill Davis Stadium. The Cardinals advanced to the College World Series last season.
Dean Wolosiansky got the start in game one, giving Dan DeLucia the weekend off to rest his elbow. Wolo was touched for two runs on seven hits in 4.2 innings of work before getting replaced by Andrew Armstrong who allowed two runs in his 1.1 innings. Eric Best pitched the seventh and retired the batters in order to pick up his second save of the weekend and his fourth fo the season.
Shuck was the only Buckeye with multiple hits in a 3-for-4 peformance. He had one RBI. Zach Hurley, Ryan Dew, Dan Burkhart and Tyler Engle drove in the other runs. Each team had nine hits. Ohio State committed the game's only error.
Shuck was the starter in the second game of the twinbill and was cruising along nice, though was not backed by any offense. The Buckeyes managed just two hits, one by Tony Kennedy and another by Ryan Dew.
Michigan State finally wore on Shuck in the eighth, getting two of their four hits in the inning. He allowed a single to start the inning before getting that runner on a fielder's choice bunt. He issued a walk and gave up a bunt single to load the bases before giving way to freshman Alex Wimmers. Wimmers struck out his first batter before walking in the decisive run.
Shuck was saddled with an unfortunate loss to fall to 4-2 on the year. He struck out seven against three walks, including one in the eighth.
A conference rule is in place to not allow a team to start three games in one day so the fourth game of the series was cancelled and will not be made up.
The Buckeyes are now 18-11 overall and 7-4 in the Big Ten, while Michigan State is 13-16 and 4-7. Ohio State will host Louisville Wednesday at 6:35 p.m. at Bill Davis Stadium. The Cardinals advanced to the College World Series last season.
Saturday, April 12, 2008
DH Postponed, Game Four Cancelled
Saturday's doubleheader between Ohio State and Michigan State has been postponed until Sunday because of steady rain throughout the day. The two teams will try Sunday to play two seven-inning games starting at 1:05 p.m., weather permitting. By rule you cannot start three games on the same day, so game four has been cancelled and will not be rescheduled. It would be a shame if the only game these teams got to play was that 4-3 thriller Friday night. I do not know how this situation affects the pitching rotation, but if I hear I will pass it along.
Friday, April 11, 2008
Dew'in It in the 11th
Ryan Dew hit a pinch-hit, solo home run with one out in the top of the 11th inning to lead Ohio State to a 4-3 victory at Michigan State Friday in the opener of a four-game, Big Ten series at Oldsmobile Park (box score).
Dew, batting for Ryan Meade, sent the ball over the right-field fence. It was just the team's seventh home run of the season (in 27 games) and the first in nine conference games. It was his first this year.
Jake Hale pitched 10.0 strong innings and struck out seven without allowing a walk. Improving to 4-0 with the win, he allowed three runs on nine hits before giving way to Eric Best in the bottom of the 11th. Best got a line out, fly out and ground out to end the game and earn his third save.
Cory Kovanda, Justin Miller and Dan Burkhart each finished with two hits as the Buckeyes collected nine hits against MSU pitching. Miller, Hurley and Dew drove in runs. Michigan State also had nine hits in the game.
The Buckeyes and Spartans were tied at three through nine innings, marking the first extra-inning game for Ohio State this season.
Michigan State built a 2-0 lead through the first three innings, but with one on and one out in the fourth, Miller doubled in a run. Miller reached second on a throwing error by the Spartan second baseman. Hurley's sacrifice tied the game.
Sparty reclaimed the lead in the bottom of the foruth on a double by A.J. Shindler. The Buckeyes tied it up again in the seventh. With runners at the corner and one out, Tony Kennedy stole second base and on an errant throw by the MSU catcher, Dan Burkhart was able to score.
Each team had three errors in what, no doubt, had to have been a wet and sloppy playing surface at Oldsmobile Park with all the rain that moved through the area Friday.
Ohio State improved to 17-10 overall and 6-3 in the Big Ten, while Michigan State dropped to 12-15, 3-6.
The teams' doubleheader Saturday is scheduled for 1:05 p.m. Both games can be heard on ohiostatebuckeyes.com. Game one can also be heard in Columbus on AM 920 WMNI.
Michigan State recap. Here is what the Dispatch rewrote from the OSU release.
Dew, batting for Ryan Meade, sent the ball over the right-field fence. It was just the team's seventh home run of the season (in 27 games) and the first in nine conference games. It was his first this year.
Jake Hale pitched 10.0 strong innings and struck out seven without allowing a walk. Improving to 4-0 with the win, he allowed three runs on nine hits before giving way to Eric Best in the bottom of the 11th. Best got a line out, fly out and ground out to end the game and earn his third save.
Cory Kovanda, Justin Miller and Dan Burkhart each finished with two hits as the Buckeyes collected nine hits against MSU pitching. Miller, Hurley and Dew drove in runs. Michigan State also had nine hits in the game.
The Buckeyes and Spartans were tied at three through nine innings, marking the first extra-inning game for Ohio State this season.
Michigan State built a 2-0 lead through the first three innings, but with one on and one out in the fourth, Miller doubled in a run. Miller reached second on a throwing error by the Spartan second baseman. Hurley's sacrifice tied the game.
Sparty reclaimed the lead in the bottom of the foruth on a double by A.J. Shindler. The Buckeyes tied it up again in the seventh. With runners at the corner and one out, Tony Kennedy stole second base and on an errant throw by the MSU catcher, Dan Burkhart was able to score.
Each team had three errors in what, no doubt, had to have been a wet and sloppy playing surface at Oldsmobile Park with all the rain that moved through the area Friday.
Ohio State improved to 17-10 overall and 6-3 in the Big Ten, while Michigan State dropped to 12-15, 3-6.
The teams' doubleheader Saturday is scheduled for 1:05 p.m. Both games can be heard on ohiostatebuckeyes.com. Game one can also be heard in Columbus on AM 920 WMNI.
Michigan State recap. Here is what the Dispatch rewrote from the OSU release.
Write Ray Stein, Part II
Nice writeup today in the Dispatch previewing the Big Ten baseball series between Ohio State and Michigan State this weekend in Lansing, Mich. Sure, it is a road series for the Buckeyes, but the lack of an article today is a slap in the face to those who follow the team. As I have said in an earlier post this season, it is a shame Dispatch sports editor Ray Stein isn't a college baseball fan. I was mildly critical of him when I was at Ohio State, but now, as a blogger, I can turn it up a notch. I cannot remember a time when the paper did not have an article about Ohio State baseball in the Friday paper during conference play. The decision on what sports to cover lies with Ray Stein (rstein@dispatch.com) and I encourage all Buckeye fans to email him in support for future coverage for Ohio State baseball.
Thursday, April 10, 2008
Back to Olds Park
I’m not a fan of Oldsmobile Park in Lansing. Shoot, the naming sponsor doesn’t even make cars anymore. The outfield “fence” works about as well as a pinball machine with all those angles. Hey, at least the games aren’t being played at Kobs Field, where the press tent or “wigwam” as some Michigan State athletic department personnel affectionately refer to it, sits in a puddle of mud. I’ll never forget when play had to be halted because a pair of granola hippies decided to end their hike along the Red Cedar and hop the right field fence. Yes, right in the middle of the game!
Okay, I’ll stop reminiscing and get back to the series at hand. Ohio State travels to Lansing to take on Sparty on the same field where the Lansing Lugnuts play. The Luggies are the Single-A affiliate of the Toronto Blue Jays.
The Buckeyes enter the series with a 16-10 overall record and a 5-3 mark in conference play while Michigan State is 12-14, 3-5. The teams open the series Friday at 5:05 p.m. The teams play a doubleheader Saturday at 1:05 p.m. before concluding the series Sunday with a single game at 1:05 p.m.
Following the Team...
Games one, two and four will be broadcast on the radio at AM 920 WMNI. All four games will have audio available at ohiostatebuckeyes.com. Audio on the Ohio State Web site is available only to subscribers. Live stats from all four games will be available (for free) on the official Ohio State web site.
The Starters...
G1: RHP Jake Hale (3-0, 5.47) vs. RHP Mike Monterey (1-2, 5.09)
G2: LHP Dan DeLucia (1-1, 3.75) vs. RHP Mark Sorensen (1-3, 3.21)
G3: RHP Dean Wolosiansky (3-2, 2.97) vs. RHP Chris Cullen (3-0, 2.83)
G4: LHP J.B. Shuck (4-1, 3.00) vs. RHP A.J. Achter (0-1, 2.84)
An Eye on the Sky...
The forecast does not look good for this series with rain or snow in the forecast each day. The projected high for Friday is expected to be 67 but as of Thursday night, the area should expect 100 percent chance of strong storms. The temperature drops from there. The high Saturday is 46 with a low of 33. Chance of precipitation is 50 percent. On Sunday…. Ouch! The high is predicted at just 41 with a 30 percent chance of snow/rain showers. With the Buckeyes trying to make up ground on first-place Michigan (7-1) and the two second place teams, Illinois (6-2) and Purdue (6-2), the last thing they want to have happen is to sit in their hotel rooms. With rain in the forecast it will be interesting to see if the Lugnuts front office or grounds crew will have a quick trigger to “bang” the games. Hopefully the call rests with Michigan State.
In the Big Ten this weekend...
Ohio State (5-3) at Michigan State (3-5); Michigan (7-1) at Illinois (6-2); Penn State (3-5) at Purdue (6-2); Iowa (1-7) at Indiana (3-5); and Minnesota (3-5) at Northwestern (3-5).
From the Ohio State game notes...
About the Series: Ohio State and Michigan State have been meeting on the diamond since 1911. The Buckeyes have a 124-81-1 edge in the series. Bob Todd’s teams are 55-26 against the Spartans. The Buckeyes have won the last two series (2004 and 2006) at Michigan State by 3-1 counts. From 1989 thru 2004, Ohio State won or split 16 consecutive series with the Spartans.
Big Ten Comparison:• Ohio State leads the Big Ten in batting average (.336); Michigan State ranks ninth at .261.
• Ohio State is second in the conference with a .406 on-base percentage; Michigan State is 10th (.344).
• Ohio State ranks fourth in slugging at .420; Michigan State is ninth (.360).
• Michigan State is tied for second with 14 home runs; Ohio State is ninth with six.
• Ohio State leads the conference in hits with 295; Michigan State ranks ninth with 212
• Ohio State has scored 175 runs, which ranks second behind Illinois (176); Michigan State is ninth with 125.
• The Buckeyes rank second in ERA at 4.07; Michigan State is fourth (4.85).
• Ohio State is second in opponents’ batting average (.249); the Spartans are fourth at .273.
• Ohio State’s pitching staff has struck out the second-most batters in the Big Ten (198); the Spartans have struck out 144, which ranks sixth.
• Ohio State leads the conference with nine saves; Michigan State is ninth with three.
• Ohio State has allowed the fewest runs (118) and the second-fewest hits (204); Michigan State is tied for fifth in both fewest runs allowed (151) and hits allowed (227).
• Michigan State has walked 107 batters, ranking seventh; Ohio State has walked 109, which ranks eighth.
Okay, I’ll stop reminiscing and get back to the series at hand. Ohio State travels to Lansing to take on Sparty on the same field where the Lansing Lugnuts play. The Luggies are the Single-A affiliate of the Toronto Blue Jays.
The Buckeyes enter the series with a 16-10 overall record and a 5-3 mark in conference play while Michigan State is 12-14, 3-5. The teams open the series Friday at 5:05 p.m. The teams play a doubleheader Saturday at 1:05 p.m. before concluding the series Sunday with a single game at 1:05 p.m.
Following the Team...
Games one, two and four will be broadcast on the radio at AM 920 WMNI. All four games will have audio available at ohiostatebuckeyes.com. Audio on the Ohio State Web site is available only to subscribers. Live stats from all four games will be available (for free) on the official Ohio State web site.
The Starters...
G1: RHP Jake Hale (3-0, 5.47) vs. RHP Mike Monterey (1-2, 5.09)
G2: LHP Dan DeLucia (1-1, 3.75) vs. RHP Mark Sorensen (1-3, 3.21)
G3: RHP Dean Wolosiansky (3-2, 2.97) vs. RHP Chris Cullen (3-0, 2.83)
G4: LHP J.B. Shuck (4-1, 3.00) vs. RHP A.J. Achter (0-1, 2.84)
An Eye on the Sky...
The forecast does not look good for this series with rain or snow in the forecast each day. The projected high for Friday is expected to be 67 but as of Thursday night, the area should expect 100 percent chance of strong storms. The temperature drops from there. The high Saturday is 46 with a low of 33. Chance of precipitation is 50 percent. On Sunday…. Ouch! The high is predicted at just 41 with a 30 percent chance of snow/rain showers. With the Buckeyes trying to make up ground on first-place Michigan (7-1) and the two second place teams, Illinois (6-2) and Purdue (6-2), the last thing they want to have happen is to sit in their hotel rooms. With rain in the forecast it will be interesting to see if the Lugnuts front office or grounds crew will have a quick trigger to “bang” the games. Hopefully the call rests with Michigan State.
In the Big Ten this weekend...
Ohio State (5-3) at Michigan State (3-5); Michigan (7-1) at Illinois (6-2); Penn State (3-5) at Purdue (6-2); Iowa (1-7) at Indiana (3-5); and Minnesota (3-5) at Northwestern (3-5).
From the Ohio State game notes...
About the Series: Ohio State and Michigan State have been meeting on the diamond since 1911. The Buckeyes have a 124-81-1 edge in the series. Bob Todd’s teams are 55-26 against the Spartans. The Buckeyes have won the last two series (2004 and 2006) at Michigan State by 3-1 counts. From 1989 thru 2004, Ohio State won or split 16 consecutive series with the Spartans.
Big Ten Comparison:• Ohio State leads the Big Ten in batting average (.336); Michigan State ranks ninth at .261.
• Ohio State is second in the conference with a .406 on-base percentage; Michigan State is 10th (.344).
• Ohio State ranks fourth in slugging at .420; Michigan State is ninth (.360).
• Michigan State is tied for second with 14 home runs; Ohio State is ninth with six.
• Ohio State leads the conference in hits with 295; Michigan State ranks ninth with 212
• Ohio State has scored 175 runs, which ranks second behind Illinois (176); Michigan State is ninth with 125.
• The Buckeyes rank second in ERA at 4.07; Michigan State is fourth (4.85).
• Ohio State is second in opponents’ batting average (.249); the Spartans are fourth at .273.
• Ohio State’s pitching staff has struck out the second-most batters in the Big Ten (198); the Spartans have struck out 144, which ranks sixth.
• Ohio State leads the conference with nine saves; Michigan State is ninth with three.
• Ohio State has allowed the fewest runs (118) and the second-fewest hits (204); Michigan State is tied for fifth in both fewest runs allowed (151) and hits allowed (227).
• Michigan State has walked 107 batters, ranking seventh; Ohio State has walked 109, which ranks eighth.
Wednesday, April 9, 2008
Chippewas Stage Another Upset
Last Wednesday it was Michigan. Tonight it was Ohio State. With a 4-2 victory over the Buckeyes Wednesday at Bill Davis Stadium, Central Michigan has downed the two Big Ten powers in consecutive midweek games (box score). Yet, the Chippewas own a losing record overall, improving to 13-16 with the upset.
Central Michigan took a 2-1 run lead in the fourth, but a sacrifice fly by Ohio State's Justin Miller in the bottom of the fifth scored J.B. Shuck to tie the game at two. An RBI double by Noah Lankford in the seventh gave Central Michigan the lead for good and it tacked on an insurance run in the eighth on an RBI single by Sean Hoorelbeke.
Ohio State, which slipped to 16-10 on the year, never threatened again after scoring the equalizer and were retired in order in the sixth, seventh and eighth before Ryan Dew drew a walk to begin the home half of the ninth. Ben Toussant pinch hit for Brian DeLucia but struck out looking. Dan Burkhart grounded into a fielder's choice and Tyler Engle grounded out to third. Ballgame over.
Josh Edgin got the start for the Buckeyes and lasted only 4.0 innings. He allowed two runs on one hit but struck out five and walked one. Drew Rucinski pitched 3.0 innings and Alex Wimmers pitched the eighth and ninth. There were just nine hits in the game, including five by Ohio State. Zach Hurley accounted for two of them while Miller drove in both runs. The Buckeyes committed two errors. Central Michigan had one.
CMU starter Jesse Hernandez allowed the two Buckeyes runs on five hits in 8.0 innings. Chris Kupillas took care of Ohio State in the ninth to pick up his second save.
Only 733 fans bothered to show up. Maybe they're holding out for the wildly successful Buck-a-Burger Nights (April 23 vs. Akron and May 7 vs. Marshall).
Ohio State takes on Michigan State this weekend at Oldsmobile Park in Lansing, Mich.
Central Michigan took a 2-1 run lead in the fourth, but a sacrifice fly by Ohio State's Justin Miller in the bottom of the fifth scored J.B. Shuck to tie the game at two. An RBI double by Noah Lankford in the seventh gave Central Michigan the lead for good and it tacked on an insurance run in the eighth on an RBI single by Sean Hoorelbeke.
Ohio State, which slipped to 16-10 on the year, never threatened again after scoring the equalizer and were retired in order in the sixth, seventh and eighth before Ryan Dew drew a walk to begin the home half of the ninth. Ben Toussant pinch hit for Brian DeLucia but struck out looking. Dan Burkhart grounded into a fielder's choice and Tyler Engle grounded out to third. Ballgame over.
Josh Edgin got the start for the Buckeyes and lasted only 4.0 innings. He allowed two runs on one hit but struck out five and walked one. Drew Rucinski pitched 3.0 innings and Alex Wimmers pitched the eighth and ninth. There were just nine hits in the game, including five by Ohio State. Zach Hurley accounted for two of them while Miller drove in both runs. The Buckeyes committed two errors. Central Michigan had one.
CMU starter Jesse Hernandez allowed the two Buckeyes runs on five hits in 8.0 innings. Chris Kupillas took care of Ohio State in the ninth to pick up his second save.
Only 733 fans bothered to show up. Maybe they're holding out for the wildly successful Buck-a-Burger Nights (April 23 vs. Akron and May 7 vs. Marshall).
Ohio State takes on Michigan State this weekend at Oldsmobile Park in Lansing, Mich.
Tuesday, April 8, 2008
Wah! Wah!
Quit your crying Andy Lopez and learn to deal with reality. Lopez is the head baseball coach at Arizona who found a sympathetic (and young) ear. Poor Andy is having to learn how to adjust to college baseball's universal start date. Bryan Roy, a student reporter for the Arizona Daily Wildcat, filed a report that Brian Foley was quick to mention on his outstanding blog, The College Baseball Blog. Lopez argues baseball's new schedule hurts academics; uneven competition remains. At least Roy had the sense to interview Rich Maloney at Michigan. Maloney, of course, rubbed it in their face a little bit more.
A Midweek Threat?
One thing is certain for Wednesday at 6:35 p.m. when Central Michigan visits Bill Davis Stadium: the Buckeyes will not have a cake walk for the second straight week. Ohio State beat Toledo 13-0 last Wednesday, the same day, Central Michigan surprised Michigan 7-3 in Mount Pleasant.
Scouting Central Michigan
Central Michigan improved to 12-16 after getting by Illinois-Chicago Tuesday. Sean Hoorelbeke's two-out, two-run shot tied the game at seven and Brendan Emmett's RBI single in the 10th helped CMU knock off UIC, 8-7. Central Michigan is coming off a series win over Bowling Green last weekend. CMU took the opener, 6-2, and the final game, 10-6. CMU lost eight of nine games in the early going but has gone 11-8 since. The Chippewas are 3-5 in the MAC.
Buckeyes vs. Chippewas
Ohio State and Central Michigan have met only four times previously and each team has two wins in the series. Ohio State’s wins came in 2000 (11-4) and in 2006 (8-5) while CMU has wins in 1990 (24-22) and in 2000 (3-2). The two games in 2000 were played at Texas A&M. The 1990 game was at Trautman Field and the 2006 game was at Bill Davis Stadium.
Ohio State is 16-9 overall and 5-3 in the Big Ten. The Central Michigan game is the last of an 11-game homestand in which the Buckeyes are 7-3.
Buckeye Bullets...
• Ohio State is 13-1 this season when leading after six innings…1-5 when trailing.
• The Buckeyes are also 13-0 when leading after seen innings and 15-0 when leading after eight innings.
• Illness caused Ryan Meade to miss the entire Minnesota series. The true freshman is on a current 17-game hitting streak.
• Michael Arp made three appearances in the Minnesota series and made the most of his time by going 3-for-4 at the plate with an RBI.
• Cory Rupert, who injured his leg late in the fourth Minnesota game, continues to lead the team in RBI with 23.
• Ryan Meade and Tony Kennedy are second with 18 RBI apiece. Justin Miller has 17.
• Miller and Cory Kovanda each hit safely in all four Minnesota games. Zach Hurley had at least one hit in each of the three games he played.
• Pitching wins are nicely balanced with J.B. Shuck the leader with four and Jake Hale, Dean Wolosiansky and Andrew Armstrong with three apiece.
• In four starts, Armstrong has a 1.70 ERA with just four earned runs allowed in 21.1 innings pitched. He has lasted at least 5.0 innings in each of his starts.
• After a pinch hit, RBI single in the second game of the double header win over Minnesota, Ben Toussant earned a start at DH in Game 4 of
the series.
• Rupert has scored 10 runs in the last 10 games and now only trails leader Shuck by three.
• Kovanda and Kennedy have each recorded hits in 21 games this season.
Buckeye Bullets taken from the Ohio State game notes
Scouting Central Michigan
Central Michigan improved to 12-16 after getting by Illinois-Chicago Tuesday. Sean Hoorelbeke's two-out, two-run shot tied the game at seven and Brendan Emmett's RBI single in the 10th helped CMU knock off UIC, 8-7. Central Michigan is coming off a series win over Bowling Green last weekend. CMU took the opener, 6-2, and the final game, 10-6. CMU lost eight of nine games in the early going but has gone 11-8 since. The Chippewas are 3-5 in the MAC.
Buckeyes vs. Chippewas
Ohio State and Central Michigan have met only four times previously and each team has two wins in the series. Ohio State’s wins came in 2000 (11-4) and in 2006 (8-5) while CMU has wins in 1990 (24-22) and in 2000 (3-2). The two games in 2000 were played at Texas A&M. The 1990 game was at Trautman Field and the 2006 game was at Bill Davis Stadium.
Ohio State is 16-9 overall and 5-3 in the Big Ten. The Central Michigan game is the last of an 11-game homestand in which the Buckeyes are 7-3.
Buckeye Bullets...
• Ohio State is 13-1 this season when leading after six innings…1-5 when trailing.
• The Buckeyes are also 13-0 when leading after seen innings and 15-0 when leading after eight innings.
• Illness caused Ryan Meade to miss the entire Minnesota series. The true freshman is on a current 17-game hitting streak.
• Michael Arp made three appearances in the Minnesota series and made the most of his time by going 3-for-4 at the plate with an RBI.
• Cory Rupert, who injured his leg late in the fourth Minnesota game, continues to lead the team in RBI with 23.
• Ryan Meade and Tony Kennedy are second with 18 RBI apiece. Justin Miller has 17.
• Miller and Cory Kovanda each hit safely in all four Minnesota games. Zach Hurley had at least one hit in each of the three games he played.
• Pitching wins are nicely balanced with J.B. Shuck the leader with four and Jake Hale, Dean Wolosiansky and Andrew Armstrong with three apiece.
• In four starts, Armstrong has a 1.70 ERA with just four earned runs allowed in 21.1 innings pitched. He has lasted at least 5.0 innings in each of his starts.
• After a pinch hit, RBI single in the second game of the double header win over Minnesota, Ben Toussant earned a start at DH in Game 4 of
the series.
• Rupert has scored 10 runs in the last 10 games and now only trails leader Shuck by three.
• Kovanda and Kennedy have each recorded hits in 21 games this season.
Buckeye Bullets taken from the Ohio State game notes
Sunday, April 6, 2008
Ohio State Takes 3 of 4 vs. Minny
Dan Burkhart's RBI double in the bottom of the seventh lifted Ohio State to an 8-7 victory over Minnesota Sunday in the series finale Sunday at Bill Davis Stadium (box score). The shot to center scored Ryan Dew who reached with a single of his own.
Ohio State needed a five-run sixth inning to build a 7-4 lead. Singles by Cory Rupert and J.B. Shuck, who came into the game to hit as the designated hitter after starting the game on the mound, and a walk to Dew loaded the bases with no outs. Burkhart reached on a fielder’s choice that scored Rupert, and Tyler Engle singled to score Shuck. Cory Kovanda singled up the middle to plate both Burkhart and Engle and Justin Miller drove in Tony Kennedy with a sacrifice fly to right to give the Buckeyes a three-run lead.
But Minnesota came right back to tie the game with one swing of the bat in the top of the seventh. Jeff DeSmidt hit a three-run home run off Drew Rucinski, who replaced Shuck on the mound to start the inning. Eric Best got a fly-ball out and a double play grounder to end the inning.
Engle led the Buckeyes in going 3-for-4 with an RBI while Dew was 2-for-3 with a pair of RBI. Kovanda and Burkhart also drove in two. Ohio State out hit Minnesota 13-10 in an error-free game by both teams.
Shuck allowed four runs on seven hits in his 6.0-inning start. He struck out six and walked three, though it was Best who earned the win to improve to 1-1. Minnesota starter Seth Rosin allowed four runs on six hits in 5.0 innings. Chauncy Handran took to the loss to slip to 0-1.
The first series win against Minnesota since 2005 knotted the all-time series between the teams 77-77-2.
Ohio State improved to 16-9 overall and 5-3 in Big Ten action, while the Gophers find themselves 13-14, 3-5 after the loss. Central Michigan visits Bill Davis Stadium for Wing-man Wednesday with a 6:35 p.m. first pitch. Ohio State travels to Oldsmobile Park in Lansing, Mich., next weekend for four games vs. Michigan State.
I appreciate Buckeye Nine readers "rockybuckeye" and "baseballbucks33" keeping up with the action today while I was away from my computer most of the day.
Ohio State needed a five-run sixth inning to build a 7-4 lead. Singles by Cory Rupert and J.B. Shuck, who came into the game to hit as the designated hitter after starting the game on the mound, and a walk to Dew loaded the bases with no outs. Burkhart reached on a fielder’s choice that scored Rupert, and Tyler Engle singled to score Shuck. Cory Kovanda singled up the middle to plate both Burkhart and Engle and Justin Miller drove in Tony Kennedy with a sacrifice fly to right to give the Buckeyes a three-run lead.
But Minnesota came right back to tie the game with one swing of the bat in the top of the seventh. Jeff DeSmidt hit a three-run home run off Drew Rucinski, who replaced Shuck on the mound to start the inning. Eric Best got a fly-ball out and a double play grounder to end the inning.
Engle led the Buckeyes in going 3-for-4 with an RBI while Dew was 2-for-3 with a pair of RBI. Kovanda and Burkhart also drove in two. Ohio State out hit Minnesota 13-10 in an error-free game by both teams.
Shuck allowed four runs on seven hits in his 6.0-inning start. He struck out six and walked three, though it was Best who earned the win to improve to 1-1. Minnesota starter Seth Rosin allowed four runs on six hits in 5.0 innings. Chauncy Handran took to the loss to slip to 0-1.
The first series win against Minnesota since 2005 knotted the all-time series between the teams 77-77-2.
Ohio State improved to 16-9 overall and 5-3 in Big Ten action, while the Gophers find themselves 13-14, 3-5 after the loss. Central Michigan visits Bill Davis Stadium for Wing-man Wednesday with a 6:35 p.m. first pitch. Ohio State travels to Oldsmobile Park in Lansing, Mich., next weekend for four games vs. Michigan State.
I appreciate Buckeye Nine readers "rockybuckeye" and "baseballbucks33" keeping up with the action today while I was away from my computer most of the day.
Saturday, April 5, 2008
Buckeyes Split DH, Take 2-1 Lead in Series
Big Ten Network Highlights
The Buckeyes were swept 6-0 by Minnesota in game one but rebounded to win the second game 4-1 to split a Saturday doubleheader. Ohio State leads the series 2-1 heading into the finale Sunday at 1:05 p.m. Ohio State won 11-6 Friday night.
Game One Box Score
Game Two Box Score
In the first game, Minnesota scored its six runs on seven hits and two Buckeye errors while Ohio State could not muster a single run off its seven hits. Cory Kovanda, Justin Miller and Michael Arp each had two hits and Tyler Engle added the seventh.
Andrew Armstrong made his second start of the week (10.0 IP in four days) and took the loss after allowing three runs on six hits in 5.0 innings. He is 1-1 this week and 3-2 on the season. Josh Edgin tossed the final 2.0 innings and allowed three runs on one hit. The duo walked seven and struck out four. Minnesota's Kyle Carr pitched a complete game.
In the nightcap, Ohio State scored two in the first inning and another two in the sixth to counter the lone Gopher run in the fifth. The Buckeyes used nine hits and benefited from one 'sota error.
Tony Kennedy and Cory Rupert each finished 2-for-3 while Justin Miller, Ben Toussant and Dan Burkhart joined Rupert with RBI. Matt Nohelty was 3-for-4 to pace Minnesota.
Dean Wolosiansky went the distance for Ohio State allowing one run on six hits to improve to 3-2. Dustin Brabender took the loss for the Gophs, allowing all four runs on eight hits in 5.1 innings.
The first game took 2 hours, 8 minutes while the teams played game two in just 1:48. Temps in the 50s brought out 2,102 fans to "the Bill" for the twinbill.
Minnesota Recaps: Game One Game Two
Dispatch Story
The Buckeyes were swept 6-0 by Minnesota in game one but rebounded to win the second game 4-1 to split a Saturday doubleheader. Ohio State leads the series 2-1 heading into the finale Sunday at 1:05 p.m. Ohio State won 11-6 Friday night.
Game One Box Score
Game Two Box Score
In the first game, Minnesota scored its six runs on seven hits and two Buckeye errors while Ohio State could not muster a single run off its seven hits. Cory Kovanda, Justin Miller and Michael Arp each had two hits and Tyler Engle added the seventh.
Andrew Armstrong made his second start of the week (10.0 IP in four days) and took the loss after allowing three runs on six hits in 5.0 innings. He is 1-1 this week and 3-2 on the season. Josh Edgin tossed the final 2.0 innings and allowed three runs on one hit. The duo walked seven and struck out four. Minnesota's Kyle Carr pitched a complete game.
In the nightcap, Ohio State scored two in the first inning and another two in the sixth to counter the lone Gopher run in the fifth. The Buckeyes used nine hits and benefited from one 'sota error.
Tony Kennedy and Cory Rupert each finished 2-for-3 while Justin Miller, Ben Toussant and Dan Burkhart joined Rupert with RBI. Matt Nohelty was 3-for-4 to pace Minnesota.
Dean Wolosiansky went the distance for Ohio State allowing one run on six hits to improve to 3-2. Dustin Brabender took the loss for the Gophs, allowing all four runs on eight hits in 5.1 innings.
The first game took 2 hours, 8 minutes while the teams played game two in just 1:48. Temps in the 50s brought out 2,102 fans to "the Bill" for the twinbill.
Minnesota Recaps: Game One Game Two
Dispatch Story
Friday, April 4, 2008
Back to Work
Since a few of you have asked about my job search and I alluded to a potential opportunity in a post last weekend, I decided I had better let you know what is going on. On Tuesday, yes, April Fools Day (though this is no joke), I started a new position as the director of communications with the national office of Delta Delta Delta sorority located in Arlington, Texas. It seems odd for a guy with more than 13 years experience in college athletics and professional sports to find work for a sorority, but I am excited about this opportunity.
It is funny sometimes how opportunities come about. I saw the job posted on CareerBuiler and didn't really give it any serious thought at first. When my wife asked me if I had seen the posting, I told her I had but never thought in a million years they would hire someone like me for that job. She convinced me to apply and before I knew it I had interviewed and accepted their offer. I was extremely impressed with the entire organization and my university background makes me a good fit. Plus, the work week is just 35 hours and the pay is good. That will all be quite a change for me, but I'm looking forward to it. Of 43 employees at the executive office, I am one of only four men. I wonder if my wife is still happy she encouraged me to apply.
I will supervise a communications team to manage Tri Delta's brand, to provide marketing and promotional support for the organization and its affiliates, and to create and produce a variety of communications tools over multiple channels, including print, online, video and oral presentations. I will be responsible for producing a quarterly magazine, The Trident, and monthy e-newsletters, alumnae relations newsletters, the Web site, logos, themes, photography, audio/visual presentations, speech scripts, event pograms and other collateral.
It's just a bit ironic I'm working for them now since I never could get a Tri Delta to give me the time of day when I was in college.
I have every intention to continue this blog. I am a life-long fan of Ohio State (BA Journalism, 1994) and will forever be passionate about the Baseball Buckeyes.
It is funny sometimes how opportunities come about. I saw the job posted on CareerBuiler and didn't really give it any serious thought at first. When my wife asked me if I had seen the posting, I told her I had but never thought in a million years they would hire someone like me for that job. She convinced me to apply and before I knew it I had interviewed and accepted their offer. I was extremely impressed with the entire organization and my university background makes me a good fit. Plus, the work week is just 35 hours and the pay is good. That will all be quite a change for me, but I'm looking forward to it. Of 43 employees at the executive office, I am one of only four men. I wonder if my wife is still happy she encouraged me to apply.
I will supervise a communications team to manage Tri Delta's brand, to provide marketing and promotional support for the organization and its affiliates, and to create and produce a variety of communications tools over multiple channels, including print, online, video and oral presentations. I will be responsible for producing a quarterly magazine, The Trident, and monthy e-newsletters, alumnae relations newsletters, the Web site, logos, themes, photography, audio/visual presentations, speech scripts, event pograms and other collateral.
It's just a bit ironic I'm working for them now since I never could get a Tri Delta to give me the time of day when I was in college.
I have every intention to continue this blog. I am a life-long fan of Ohio State (BA Journalism, 1994) and will forever be passionate about the Baseball Buckeyes.
More Friday Night Fireworks
Ohio State turned back Minnesota, 11-6, Friday in the opener of a four-game set at Bill Davis Stadium (box score). The Buckeyes used 13 hits and five Golden Gopher errors to earn the win before fireworks lit up the sky.
The Scarlet and Gray build a 6-2 lead through 3.0 innings. Goldy pulled within three runs, 6-3, with a run in the fourth before Ohio State added three more in the sixth to move ahead 9-3. Minnesota finally got to OSU starter Jake Hale in the seventh, touching him for three runs to again close within three, but two more Buckeye runs crossed in the eighth.
Cory Rupert was 3-for-4 to pace the Buckeyes, while J.B. Shuck and Zach Hurley each were 2-for-4. Hurley's two hits were doubles. Tony Kennedy was 0-for-5 but finished the game with a pair of RBI (fielder's choice and a ground out). Justin Miller and Ryan Dew also contributed two RBI a piece. Nine Buckeyes accounted for the 13 hits.
Minnesota had 12 hits, including 10 off Hale, who finished with just four strikeouts in his 6.1 innings. In six starts this season, the Buckeye junior is now 3-0. Eric Best pitched the final 2.2 innings, allowing just two hits with three strikeouts.
The Buckeyes have scored 26 runs and have outscored their opponents by 20 runs in the opening game of their first two Big Ten series. Ohio State defeated Penn State last Friday night 15-0 in the league opener. Minnesota recap.
Ohio State (14-8, 3-2) and Minnesota (12-12, 2-3) continue this series Saturday with a doubleheader beginning at 1:05 p.m. Both games will be televised by the Big Ten Network.
Columbus Dispatch story
The Scarlet and Gray build a 6-2 lead through 3.0 innings. Goldy pulled within three runs, 6-3, with a run in the fourth before Ohio State added three more in the sixth to move ahead 9-3. Minnesota finally got to OSU starter Jake Hale in the seventh, touching him for three runs to again close within three, but two more Buckeye runs crossed in the eighth.
Cory Rupert was 3-for-4 to pace the Buckeyes, while J.B. Shuck and Zach Hurley each were 2-for-4. Hurley's two hits were doubles. Tony Kennedy was 0-for-5 but finished the game with a pair of RBI (fielder's choice and a ground out). Justin Miller and Ryan Dew also contributed two RBI a piece. Nine Buckeyes accounted for the 13 hits.
Minnesota had 12 hits, including 10 off Hale, who finished with just four strikeouts in his 6.1 innings. In six starts this season, the Buckeye junior is now 3-0. Eric Best pitched the final 2.2 innings, allowing just two hits with three strikeouts.
The Buckeyes have scored 26 runs and have outscored their opponents by 20 runs in the opening game of their first two Big Ten series. Ohio State defeated Penn State last Friday night 15-0 in the league opener. Minnesota recap.
Ohio State (14-8, 3-2) and Minnesota (12-12, 2-3) continue this series Saturday with a doubleheader beginning at 1:05 p.m. Both games will be televised by the Big Ten Network.
Columbus Dispatch story
Dispatch Coverage
Interesting article in today's Columbus Dispatch about Bob Todd's recovery from double-knee replacement and his reflections on his 25-year coaching career as he prepares for entry into the American Baseball Coaches Association Hall of Fame next January. Todd is in his 21st season at Ohio State after four years at Kent State. They also had a brief preview of this weekend's series vs. Minnesota.
Bring On the Gophers
Ohio State welcomes Minnesota to Bill Davis Stadium for a four-game series beginning tonight at 6:35 p.m. The series continues with two games Saturday at 1:05 p.m. and concludes Sunday with a single game at 1:05 p.m. Both teams are 2-2 in Big Ten play. The Buckeyes, which split four games with Penn State last weekend, are 13-8 overall while the Gophers are 12-11. Minnesota split its four games last weekend vs. Indiana.
Following the Team...
Games one, two and four will be broadcast on the radio at AM 920 WMNI. All four games will have audio available at ohiostatebuckeyes.com. Both games of Saturday's doubleheader will be televised on the Big Ten Network. Video from games one and four is available at ohiostatebuckeyes.com. Audio and video on the Ohio State site is available only to subscribers.
The Starters...
G1: RHP Jake Hale (2-0, 4.50 ERA) vs. RHP Tom Buske (3-2, 2.62)
G2: LHP Andrew Armstrong (3-1, 2.45) vs. LHP Kyle Carr (1-3, 4.65)
G3: RHP Dean Wolosiansky (2-2, 3.42) vs. RHP Dustin Brabender (2-2, 6.12)
G4: LHP J.B. Shuck (4-1, 3.00) vs. RHP Seth Rosin (1-0, 1.99)
First Pitch...
Archie Griffin will throw out the first pitch Friday night.
Other Promotions...
Friday• 125th commemorative T-shirts to 200 lucky fans.
• First 1,000 fans receive a free schedule magnet courtesy of OSU Sports Medicine
• See the sky over Bill Davis Stadium light up with post game fireworks
• 80's Flashback Friday - Music/Entertainment
Saturday• First 3,000 fans receive free rally towels courtesy of Nationwide
Sunday• Four Pack Day-for only $26 receive 4 tickets, 4 hot dogs, 4 sodas, and 4 popcorns
• Matt the Balloon guy will be in attendance making balloon animals
• Post-game autographs and kids can run the bases
From the Ohio State game notes...
About the Series: Ohio State and Minnesota have played 152 times since first meeting in 1923 and two losses are all that separates the two teams. Minnesota holds the edge 76-74-2. Minnesota has been a pain to Ohio State in the regular season with six series wins against two losses and five ties. The teams split in the regular season last year. Minnesota has series wins in 1990-91-92-03-04-06. Ohio State’s wins were in 2001 and 2005. Ohio State, however, has been a pain to Minnesota in the Big Ten tournament with a 17-12 edge in tournament wins. Included are 4-2 and 10-9 wins last year in Ann Arbor that helped the Buckeyes win the championship and advance to the NCAA tournament. Bob Todd’s Buckeye teams are 16-8 vs. Minnesota in the Big Ten tournament. Todd is 41-39-1 against Minnesota.
Big Ten Comparison:
• Ohio State ranks first in batting (.334), second in pitching (3.94 ERA) and eighth in fielding (.955).
• Minnesota ranks fifth in batting (.293), eighth in pitching (5.72), and third in fielding (.961).
• Ohio State is 23-of-33 in stolen base attempts; Minnesota is 26-of-39.
• Minnesota has 11 home runs compared to sixfor Ohio State .
• Ohio State leads the Big Ten with 253 hits ( Indiana is second at 246).
• Ohio State ’s 79 earned runs allowed is second-fewest in the Big Ten, but its 90 walks allowed are fourth highest.
• Minnesota pitchers have allowed the most bases on balls: 98.
• Ohio State pitchers are second in strikeouts with 176 ( Michigan , 182). Minnesota is third (166).
In the Big Ten this weekend...
Minnesota (2-2) at Ohio State (2-2), Illinois (3-1) at Indiana (2-2), Purdue (3-1) at Iowa (0-4), Michigan (4-0) at Penn State (2-2) and Michigan State (1-3) at Northwestern (1-3).
Following the Team...
Games one, two and four will be broadcast on the radio at AM 920 WMNI. All four games will have audio available at ohiostatebuckeyes.com. Both games of Saturday's doubleheader will be televised on the Big Ten Network. Video from games one and four is available at ohiostatebuckeyes.com. Audio and video on the Ohio State site is available only to subscribers.
The Starters...
G1: RHP Jake Hale (2-0, 4.50 ERA) vs. RHP Tom Buske (3-2, 2.62)
G2: LHP Andrew Armstrong (3-1, 2.45) vs. LHP Kyle Carr (1-3, 4.65)
G3: RHP Dean Wolosiansky (2-2, 3.42) vs. RHP Dustin Brabender (2-2, 6.12)
G4: LHP J.B. Shuck (4-1, 3.00) vs. RHP Seth Rosin (1-0, 1.99)
First Pitch...
Archie Griffin will throw out the first pitch Friday night.
Other Promotions...
Friday• 125th commemorative T-shirts to 200 lucky fans.
• First 1,000 fans receive a free schedule magnet courtesy of OSU Sports Medicine
• See the sky over Bill Davis Stadium light up with post game fireworks
• 80's Flashback Friday - Music/Entertainment
Saturday• First 3,000 fans receive free rally towels courtesy of Nationwide
Sunday• Four Pack Day-for only $26 receive 4 tickets, 4 hot dogs, 4 sodas, and 4 popcorns
• Matt the Balloon guy will be in attendance making balloon animals
• Post-game autographs and kids can run the bases
From the Ohio State game notes...
About the Series: Ohio State and Minnesota have played 152 times since first meeting in 1923 and two losses are all that separates the two teams. Minnesota holds the edge 76-74-2. Minnesota has been a pain to Ohio State in the regular season with six series wins against two losses and five ties. The teams split in the regular season last year. Minnesota has series wins in 1990-91-92-03-04-06. Ohio State’s wins were in 2001 and 2005. Ohio State, however, has been a pain to Minnesota in the Big Ten tournament with a 17-12 edge in tournament wins. Included are 4-2 and 10-9 wins last year in Ann Arbor that helped the Buckeyes win the championship and advance to the NCAA tournament. Bob Todd’s Buckeye teams are 16-8 vs. Minnesota in the Big Ten tournament. Todd is 41-39-1 against Minnesota.
Big Ten Comparison:
• Ohio State ranks first in batting (.334), second in pitching (3.94 ERA) and eighth in fielding (.955).
• Minnesota ranks fifth in batting (.293), eighth in pitching (5.72), and third in fielding (.961).
• Ohio State is 23-of-33 in stolen base attempts; Minnesota is 26-of-39.
• Minnesota has 11 home runs compared to sixfor Ohio State .
• Ohio State leads the Big Ten with 253 hits ( Indiana is second at 246).
• Ohio State ’s 79 earned runs allowed is second-fewest in the Big Ten, but its 90 walks allowed are fourth highest.
• Minnesota pitchers have allowed the most bases on balls: 98.
• Ohio State pitchers are second in strikeouts with 176 ( Michigan , 182). Minnesota is third (166).
In the Big Ten this weekend...
Minnesota (2-2) at Ohio State (2-2), Illinois (3-1) at Indiana (2-2), Purdue (3-1) at Iowa (0-4), Michigan (4-0) at Penn State (2-2) and Michigan State (1-3) at Northwestern (1-3).
Wednesday, April 2, 2008
Another Shutout for Bucks, This Time 13-0
The Buckeyes scored in each of the first five innings to take a 9-0 lead and added four more runs the rest of the way to defeat Toledo 13-0 Wednesday at Bill Davis Stadium (box score). It was the fourth shutout this season and the third in the last five games.
Four Ohio State pitchers allowed just four Toledo hits. Starter Andrew Armstrong improved to 3-1 after limiting the Rockets to three hits in his 5.0 innings. The true freshman struck out four and walked one before handing the reins over to Rory Meister for an inning. Drew Rucinski pitched two innings and Alex Wimmers pitched the ninth.
Offensively, the Buckeyes slapped out 14 hits and benefited from five Toledo errors, though all but three runs were earned. Fifteen different Ohio State players saw action in the game in addition to the four pitchers. Tony Kennedy was 3-for-5 with two RBI, including a home run in his first at bat of the night. Cory Kovanda, Cory Rupert and Brian DeLucia each added two hits. Nine different Buckeyes scored a run. Ten different Buckeyes had a hit. Eight different Buckeyes drove in runs.
On the current homestand, the Buckeyes have allowed only nine runs and have a team ERA of 1.26. The starters’ ERA over that span is 1.08.
The Buckeyes (13-8, 2-2 Big Ten) play host to Minnesota (12-11, 2-2) this weekend at Bill Davis Stadium. Toledo fell to 7-12 overall. Toledo recap.
Notes of interest... On the current homestand, the Buckeyes have allowed only nine runs and have a team ERA of 1.26. The starters’ ERA over that span is 1.08... the Buckeyes did not commit an error for the third time in their last four games.
Four Ohio State pitchers allowed just four Toledo hits. Starter Andrew Armstrong improved to 3-1 after limiting the Rockets to three hits in his 5.0 innings. The true freshman struck out four and walked one before handing the reins over to Rory Meister for an inning. Drew Rucinski pitched two innings and Alex Wimmers pitched the ninth.
Offensively, the Buckeyes slapped out 14 hits and benefited from five Toledo errors, though all but three runs were earned. Fifteen different Ohio State players saw action in the game in addition to the four pitchers. Tony Kennedy was 3-for-5 with two RBI, including a home run in his first at bat of the night. Cory Kovanda, Cory Rupert and Brian DeLucia each added two hits. Nine different Buckeyes scored a run. Ten different Buckeyes had a hit. Eight different Buckeyes drove in runs.
On the current homestand, the Buckeyes have allowed only nine runs and have a team ERA of 1.26. The starters’ ERA over that span is 1.08.
The Buckeyes (13-8, 2-2 Big Ten) play host to Minnesota (12-11, 2-2) this weekend at Bill Davis Stadium. Toledo fell to 7-12 overall. Toledo recap.
Notes of interest... On the current homestand, the Buckeyes have allowed only nine runs and have a team ERA of 1.26. The starters’ ERA over that span is 1.08... the Buckeyes did not commit an error for the third time in their last four games.
Ball State Asst. Coach Reads The Buckeye Nine
I got an email from former Ohio State player Mike Stafford (1994-98), who is now an assistant coach at Ball State. Mike is the pitching coach and recruiting coordinator for the Cardinals. Ball State swept Kent State at their place this past weekend to take first place in the MAC. He said, "It’s still early but where off to a great start." They followed with midweek wins of Indiana Tech and Dayton to improve to 14-9 this season. The Cardinals do not visit Ohio State this season, but did last year when the teams split a doubleheader on April 18.
Mike wrote this in his email to me... "I just wanted to say that you have done a great job with this website and I enjoy looking at it weekly. I think it’s been a great way to read about the team and also keep up with old teammates. I really appreciate your time allowing many former Buckeye players and fans to have a place to go and follow the great baseball tradition. Keep up the good work."
I hope more former players will stop by The Buckeye Nine. Spread the word. Good luck this season.
Mike wrote this in his email to me... "I just wanted to say that you have done a great job with this website and I enjoy looking at it weekly. I think it’s been a great way to read about the team and also keep up with old teammates. I really appreciate your time allowing many former Buckeye players and fans to have a place to go and follow the great baseball tradition. Keep up the good work."
I hope more former players will stop by The Buckeye Nine. Spread the word. Good luck this season.
Buckeyes, Rockets Preview
Ohio State leads the all-time series with Toledo, 23-6. The teams first met in 1934. Last season, Ohio State defeated the Rockets, 18-5, on Mar. 29 at Bill Davis Stadium. The Buckeyes have won the last 15 games in the series. Toledo’s last win in the series came in 1983, when the Rockets defeated the Buckeyes, 3-2, on Apr. 12 in Columbus. Toledo’s appearance this year marks its sixth visit to 12-year-old Bill Davis Stadium. The Buckeyes have a perfect 5-0 record against the Rockets in the stadium. Ohio State is 18-3 versus Toledo all-time in Columbus.
Buckeye Notes and Numbers...
• Four Buckeyes have at least a 10-game hitting streak this season. Meade’s 16-game streak is the only one active. Now-ended hitting streaks by Tony Kennedy, Cory Kovanda and Cory Rupert reached 17, 11 and 10 games, respectively.
• J.B. Shuck has set new career highs for strikeouts twice this season. He had nine in a 1-0 win over Memphis during the first weekend of the season and then struck out 13 today against the Nittany Lions.
• Shuck leads all Ohio State pitchers in wins (four), innings (30.0) and strikeouts (34). His eight scoreless innings today lowered Shucks’ ERA from 4.09 to 3.00.
• Eight Buckeyes are hitting over .300, led by Shuck (.425) and Cory Kovanda (.426).
• Five Buckeyes have double-figure RBI totals topped by Rupert (21), Meade (18) and Kennedy (12).
• Zach Hurley has two of team’s three triples this season.
• Eric Best’s flawless one-inning in game four vs. Penn State netted the sophomore his first career save.
• The 2-0 shutout Sunday over Penn State was the third for the Buckeyes this season. Ohio State also shut out Memphis, 1-0, on Feb. 23, and Penn State on Friday, 15-0. Ohio State did not have a shutout during the 2007 season.
• Josh Edgin pitched the three final innings of the game one win over Penn State for the save, the first of his career.
Buckeye Notes and Numbers...
• Four Buckeyes have at least a 10-game hitting streak this season. Meade’s 16-game streak is the only one active. Now-ended hitting streaks by Tony Kennedy, Cory Kovanda and Cory Rupert reached 17, 11 and 10 games, respectively.
• J.B. Shuck has set new career highs for strikeouts twice this season. He had nine in a 1-0 win over Memphis during the first weekend of the season and then struck out 13 today against the Nittany Lions.
• Shuck leads all Ohio State pitchers in wins (four), innings (30.0) and strikeouts (34). His eight scoreless innings today lowered Shucks’ ERA from 4.09 to 3.00.
• Eight Buckeyes are hitting over .300, led by Shuck (.425) and Cory Kovanda (.426).
• Five Buckeyes have double-figure RBI totals topped by Rupert (21), Meade (18) and Kennedy (12).
• Zach Hurley has two of team’s three triples this season.
• Eric Best’s flawless one-inning in game four vs. Penn State netted the sophomore his first career save.
• The 2-0 shutout Sunday over Penn State was the third for the Buckeyes this season. Ohio State also shut out Memphis, 1-0, on Feb. 23, and Penn State on Friday, 15-0. Ohio State did not have a shutout during the 2007 season.
• Josh Edgin pitched the three final innings of the game one win over Penn State for the save, the first of his career.
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