Ohio State was swept in their first series of the season and the first of new head coach Justin Haire’s era out in Phoenix against Arizona State. On Friday, they lost 9-8; on Saturday, 7-6; and on Sunday, 17-10. I could easily go without saying that their pitching is struggling. There’s just no way to put a positive spin on giving up an average of 11 runs per game over a three-game stretch. They didn’t help their case on Sunday when they had six errors on defense.
The good news is the Buckeye bats didn’t do too bad themselves. They averaged eight runs per game during this series. As a team, their batting average was .304. Their on-base percentage was .425. They also ran the bases well, making 10 steals on 11 attempts. They were led by Tyler Pettorini, a senior from Wooster, Ohio. He had 11 total bases off of six hits (two doubles, a home run, and three RBIs).
It’d be nice if every Buckeye sport could reload like the football team. But there are going to be some growing pains with a new coach. The good news is Haire has experience. It took him time, but at Campbell, he took them to the NCAA Tournament five of his last six seasons. He’s got the experience and resume to do it.
Next, the Buckeyes will travel to Jacksonville, Florida. There, on Friday the 21st, they’ll play NC State at 2:00 PM. On Saturday, they’ll play Coastal Carolina at noon. Sunday, they’ll play Alabama in an early game at 11:00 AM. The weekend after that, they’ll play three in Arlington, Texas, before they open at home on March 4th against St. John’s on Nick Swisher Field at Bill Davis Stadium.
Ohio State needs to be better if they want to see an improved result this season. This isn't an ideal start for them, though.