Ohio State junior infielder Kobie Foppe (2) connects with a pitch in the third inning of the game against Ohio University in April 10. Ohio State won 4-0. Credit: Jack Westerheide | Photo Editor
With a chance to clinch the four seed in the Big Ten Tournament, the Ohio State baseball team (34-20, 14-10 Big Ten) failed to deliver, dropping two of three matches on the road against Michigan State (20-30, 11-12 Big Ten).
With the final loss on Saturday, the Buckeyes’ seeding falls in the hands of Indiana, who can steal the four seed with a win against Maryland in their final game of the season.
Game 1
Ohio State started the series in a big way, scoring six runs in the ninth inning to take the 10-8 victory over the Spartans.
The Buckeyes came into the ninth inning down 5-4, and loaded the bases following a single and a pair of fielder’s choices that led to sophomore right fielder Dominic Canzone scoring to tie the game.
Ohio State then took the lead on an RBI groundout by senior left fielder Tyler Cowles. Freshman center fielder Dillon Dingler added two more runs in the very next at bat with a single to right field.
Senior first baseman Bo Coolen and Canzone would add two more runs on a double and single, respectively, later in the inning to stretch the lead to 10-5.
Senior closer Seth Kinker gave up three runs to the Spartans in the bottom of the ninth, but was able to close out the victory.
Game 2
Michigan State came back following the loss with a 6-2 victory over Ohio State in the second game of the series.
The Spartans broke the game open with three unearned runs seventh inning. Two came on a fielding error by Ohio State second baseman Kobie Foppe. Later in the inning, junior catcher Jacob Barnwell committed an error on a pick-off attempt at second base, allowing Michigan State redshirt senior designated hitter Chad Roskelly to score.
Junior starting pitcher Ryan Feltner went 6.2 innings for the Buckeyes, allowing three earned runs on eight hits and three walks in the losing effort.
Game 3
After scoring the first four runs of the game, the Spartans never looked back, taking the final game and the series with an 8-3 win over the Buckeyes.
The Buckeyes started slow on both sides of the field, with sophomore starting pitcher Adam Niemeyer allowing four earned runs on four hits and three walks in only two innings of work.
On the other end, sophomore starting pitcher Mike Mokma pitched seven innings for Michigan State, allowing one earned run on six hits and one walk while striking out four.
Ohio State scored two in the ninth inning to cut the deficit to five, but were unable to complete the comeback.
