Ohio State (24-20, 7-8 Big Ten) could not continue its offensive momentum in its series loss to Iowa (26-16, 11-7 Big Ten).
Game 1
The long ball doomed the Buckeyes on Friday night.
The potent offense for Ohio State was unable to match the unusual home-run hitting of Iowa, with the Hawkeyes defeating the Buckeyes 4-2.
The Hawkeyes were able to launch two home runs take the first game of the series. Junior outfielder Zeb Adreon and freshman infielder Brendan Sher were each able to record their first home runs of the season.
Despite going eight innings, Ohio State freshman pitcher Garrett Burhenn received the loss to move to 5-3 on the year. Burhenn allowed two runs and five hits in the game, while striking out seven.
Redshirt sophomore designated hitter Brent Todys was able to record two hits and an RBI for the Buckeyes.
Game 2
Costly seventh and ninth innings decided Saturday’s game and the series.
Iowa scored eight runs scored in the final three innings, lifting the Hawkeyes to the road-series win over the Buckeyes. Ohio State dropped the second game to Iowa 11-4.
With the game tied at three going into the seventh inning, Ohio State’s bullpen faltered. Freshman pitcher Bayden Root was not able to find his groove, allowing four runs in only 1.1 innings of work.
Adreon was able to excel once again in a pinch-hitting role for the Hawkeyes. The junior was able to deliver three RBI for Iowa.
The potent-offensive duo of Ohio State junior right fielder Dominic Canzone and senior left fielder Brady Cherry was able to deliver a pair of home runs, but the usual explosive offense was not able to keep up with Iowa.
Game 3
The Buckeyes were able to avoid the sweep due to a stellar outing from sophomore pitcher Griffan Smith.
Coming off of his complete game against Maryland, Smith was able to deliver a one-run performance in six innings of work Sunday, helping Ohio State to a 5-1 win against Iowa.
Smith would strike out six batters and allow only three hits in his fifth win on the season.
A big game from Todys allowed the Buckeyes to produce enough offense to stop the tiny skid. Todys would finish with three hits and three RBI.
Canzone was able to push his on-base streak to 40 games with a single. The co-captain is also riding a career-high 17 game hitting streak.
The Buckeyes will return to the diamond when they travel to Oxford, Ohio to take on Miami at 5 p.m. Wednesday.