Ohio State’s baseball team didn’t end the season how it wanted to, but it wasn’t a total failure going to Tallahassee, Fla., for the NCAA Regional.

The Buckeyes lost to Florida State 37-6 in a game the team would like to forget.
Recruiting visits in Tallahassee for the Buckeyes were more successful than the actual baseball playing. Manager Bob Todd was able to snag a right-handed pitcher and an outfielder, both from the same high school.

Outfielder Hunter Mayfield and pitcher Cole Brown both decided to leave Tallahassee to go north to play baseball.

For Brown, the decision to come to OSU to play baseball was a relatively easy one. Brown said Mayfield committed to OSU and then the coaches started pursuing him.

“I came up here on a visit,” Brown said. “I just loved everything about OSU.”

Mayfield may have not been the reason for Brown to commit to OSU, but he has been helpful. Brown said that he and Mayfield have been friends since middle school.

Mayfield shared the same feelings, saying that it was nice to know at least one person at the start.

The Buckeyes will be making a series of trips back to Florida for tournaments over the next month and a half, and both are looking forward to those trips.

Unfortunately for Brown, playing time to start off the season will be limited. In his senior year of high school Brown only made two appearances because of an injury to his shoulder.

“I’m doing good. I am back to 100 percent,” Brown said. “Now I just need to get my velocity back.”

Todd spoke on Brown’s injury, saying he is going to bring him along slowly. Giving him the needed rest and rehab now, Todd is hoping he will be able to be used late in the season.
On the other hand, Mayfield said he has been told he might see some playing time early in the season. If he isn’t able to play, Mayfield said he is fine with that. He just wants to do whatever to help the team.

Whether the two see playing time or not, they have one positive thing to look forward to. With all the snow that Columbus received over the past few weeks, both are ready for warmer weather.

Brown said in Florida they get to play outside throughout the year, while here at OSU they have had to stick to practicing inside.