Susie Shutts / For The Post / Staff Photographer / ss316904@ohiou.edu

Ohio pitcher Yale Silverman pitched in a 4-3 loss April 19 against Xavier but was able to help the Bobcats to a 17-4 win last weekend at Buffalo. The Bobcats will play host Kent State for three games this weekend starting at 6 tonight.

As the Mid-American Conference schedule enters the home stretch, Ohio plays host to East Division leader Kent State this weekend as the Bobcats attempt to push higher in the conference standings.

Despite a young team and numerous injury setbacks, Ohio coach Joe Carbone said he feels the team hit its stride last weekend.

“We did those things that we haven’t been doing throughout the year, getting two-out base hits and two-strike base hits the opposite way,” Carbone said “The whole team did a good job of that (Saturday), so hopefully we can continue doing that against Duquesne and then see how we fair there and get ready for Kent.”

This weekend’s series with Kent will be Ohio’s first game action since last Saturday’s doubleheader at Buffalo. Ohio’s non-conference home game against Duquesne on Tuesday night was canceled because of inclement weather.

Carbone emphasized that it’s important to take each game at a time when it comes to conference play.

“We had to win more than we lost (in Buffalo), and we did, so hopefully that gets us a little closer,” Carbone said.

Last weekend Ohio visited the Buffalo Bulls and returned after taking two-of-three games for its second conference series win of the season. The Bobcats swept the Bulls in a twin bill last Saturday after dropping the opener, 4-3.

Although Ohio left Buffalo with a better record, the Bobcats suffered another setback because of an injury. In the second inning of the series finale, a line drive struck starting pitcher John Angelicchi in the leg, sending him to the ground in pain.

“He took a line drive off the middle of the shin,” Carbone said. “They don’t think it’s broken, but he has a major contusion on the middle of his leg ... He’s very questionable.”

Relievers Chris Rigo and Yale Silverman tossed eight innings of relief to preserve the Bobcat victory, but the Ohio bullpen may be taxed even more this weekend with the loss of Angelicchi.

Ohio’s offense also helped ease pressure off the ’Cats’ relief staff by putting up 17 runs. Ohio’s 17-4 win was its highest offensive production and largest margin of victory of the year.

The Bobcats play host to Kent State at 6 p.m. today in the first of a three-game series this weekend at Bob Wren Stadium.