Antsy Bobcats bounce Yellow Jackets

by Eric Pfahler
Staff Writer

Despite chilly conditions, the Ohio baseball team unleashed an offensive storm by banging 17 hits against West Virginia State in a 12-8 victory at Bob Wren Stadium yesterday.

Ohio outfielder Mike Arbinger began the crusade with a solo homer over the centerfield wall in the first inning, one of four home runs by the Bobcats.

With third baseman Adam Fox on second base, designated hitter Rob Shrawder jacked a home run off West Virginia State pitcher Matt Tomblin (0-1) to give Ohio (1-2) a 3-0 lead it would not concede.

Arbinger said the Bobcats knew they needed to come out strong in the home opener.

“It’s good to come out here and have a good offensive showing,” Arbinger said. “It’s great to be home.”

The Yellow Jackets cut the lead in the third inning after Ohio pitcher Walt Novosel (1-0) gave up two runs. Ohio extended the lead when Ohio shortstop Omari Briscoe grounded into a fielder’s choice that pushed Fox across home plate, the first of Briscoe’s game-high four RBI.

In the fourth inning the Bobcats jumped on new West Virginia State pitcher Justin Clyde. Ohio second baseman Jason Shockey and Dan Lunsford started the inning with singles. Arbinger collected another of his three RBI after reaching on a fielder’s choice. Fox then homered to right center to put the Bobcats up 7-3.

Fox said the Bobcats have a solid line-up top to bottom with Shockey batting ninth.

“We know (Shockey) can hit,” Fox said. “He’s done it all winter. He’s a great nine-hitter. Getting three hits today ­ that’s definitely a plus for the guys at the top.”

John Stream replaced Clyde in the sixth inning. But Briscoe gave Stream a Hallmark welcome with a three-run opposite field home run to increase the Bobcats lead to 12-5.

Ohio coach Joe Carbone said the team itched to get back on the field after canceled games against Dartmouth last weekend.

“They wanted to play,” Carbone said. “I think they were tired of having coach (Bill) Toadvine and I talk to them in the batting cages.”

Ohio pitcher Marc Cornell, one of six Ohio pitchers who saw time on the mound, streaked through the first two innings. He struck out two while allowing two hits and one walk.

The Bobcat pitchers managed to prevent the Yellow Jackets (1-2) from building momentum despite surrendering 17 hits. Ohio stranded13 West Virginia State base runners and turned two double plays.

Ohio continues the home stand with a four-game series against Columbia that begins noon Saturday at Bob Wren Field.