Ohio State baseball had a rough weekend against the Michigan State Spartans this past weekend (March 29-31). The Spartans (2-1 in conference) took 2 of 3 from the Buckeyes (4-2 in conference) at Nick Swisher Field at Bill Davis Stadium. Friday, the Buckeyes led for most of the game due to a strong outing from starting pitcher Jaron Long. However, a 2-RBI double from Spartan DH Cam Gibson tied the game at 6-6 in the 8th innning. Trace Dempsey was brought in to face the next batter and threw 2 wild pitches in the sequence, allowing 2 runs to score to complete a 4-run 8th for the Spartans, who went on to win 8-7.
The Buckeyes put on a strong performance on saturday afternoon, continuing an impressive offensive series. The Buckeyes won 8-3, improving their record to 13-2 when leading after 6 innings. However, the Spartans provided the offense in the rubber game on sunday, winning 7-2. Spartans Right Fielder Jimmy Pickens homered for the second time in the series. The Buckeyes are 1-5 when scoring less than 3 runs. Shortstop Kirby Pellant and DH/Catcher Greg Solomon were two bright spots in the series. Pellant went 6-12 with a double, 2 RBI, and 2 R while Solomon went 5-10 with a triple, 1 RBI, and 1 R.
Looking ahead to two intrastate games in the middle of the week, many players are performing at high levels. Pellant has reached in 14 consecutive games, 1B Brad Hallberg in 13 straight, and LF Tim Wetzel in 10. CF Joe Ciamacco has gone 11 for 11 on his steal attempts to this point of the season, improving his career total to 27 for 27. Kirby Pellant improved his average to above .400. RF Pat Porter collected a double and 2 hits in each of the 3 games vs Michigan State, leading the team with 10 multi-hit games on the season. In all, the Buckeyes hit .325 over the weekend.
Ohio State pitching has also been a bright spot, currently sitting 2nd in the Big Ten in team ERA. Ohio State's rotation of Jaron Long, Brad Goldberg, and Brian King have averaged over 6 innings per start and have a combined 2.42 ERA. Goldberg has allowed 2 earned runs of less in each of his last 8 starts. Closer Trace Dempsey leads the Big Ten with 7 saves and has posted a 0.68 era while striking out 14 batters this season. He has not allowed an earned run over his last 10 innings pitched, but his wild pitches did cost the Buckeyes on friday night. David Fathalikahni has not allowed a run over his last 8 appearances as well. The Buckeyes pitching staff has been strong when it matters most, as opponents are hitting just .198 with runners on base.
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