Noah Rabinowitz / Staff Photographer / nr285905@ohiou.edu

Junior Jared Willis, standing on deck during OU’s game against Marshall last Tuesday, will help Ohio will take on West Virginia tonight at Bob Wren Stadium.

The Ohio Bobcats baseball team enters tonight’s contest against West Virginia with plenty of energy and momentum as the team begins the heart of its schedule.

Ohio (10-14, 4-5 Mid-American Conference) showed signs of improvement after playing through a season-high five-game losing streak by winning its last two games to claim a series victory over MAC West Division leader Ball State.

“It was a really clutch thing to happen,” catcher Chris Klimko said. “We were on a bit of a losing streak for a while and to come (out) and face a team as good as Ball State and take two of three — that’s a big accomplishment for our team.”

Solid pitching performances from the starters, as well as the bullpen, combined with timely hitting, allowed the ’Cats to win and overcome their early-season defensive woes and youth.

Reliever Dan Weiss paced the Bobcat pitchers with a dominating relief performance in Sunday’s 9-6 victory. Weiss relieved starter Kurt Smith by working the final five innings, allowing no hits and only one walk.

“Dan pitched great — five innings and didn’t give up a hit,” coach Joe Carbone said. “He was the guy of the weekend, I thought.”

Ohio’s pitchers have benefited immensely from the team’s offensive production — the team is averaging roughly seven runs per game.

“Our bats are real hot at the moment,” Weiss said. “The confidence is key. When you know your offense is as hot as it is. It just continues to build your confidence on the mound.”

The Bobcats have overcome off-season questions on offense thanks to offensive leaders Dusty Hammond, Anthony Gressick, Jon Vondrell and Willie Walker.

Walker enters tonight’s game after a tremendous week at the plate, which earned him MAC East Player of the Week honors. Walker hit 9-for-17 last week, driving in eight runs and swiping three stolen bases.

The Bobcats return to nonconference action tonight and will attempt to continue their recent success against the Mountaineers.

First pitch is set for 6 p.m. as Ohio hosts West Virginia (25-7) at Bob Wren Stadium.