Cluster luck was kind to Cincinnati on Tuesday evening at Nick Swisher Field. The Bearcats (16-16) cobbled together seven runs on nine hits in producing a 7-1 victory on the road against the Ohio State Buckeyes.
The Buckeyes held a 1-0 lead into the sixth inning, but the Bearcats finally broke through when A.J. Bumpass drove in RJ Thompson after Thompson tripled to lead off the inning. UC then added three runs in both the seventh and eighth innings, highlighted by a three-run double from Treg Haberkorn in the seventh. Haberkorn only had the one hit in the contest, but it was a big one. Meanwhile, third baseman Connor McVey and catcher Joey Thomas each had two hits, while Jace Mercer scored two runs during a 1-for-3 day. McVey also stole his sixth base of the campaign. Bumpass and Ryan Noda each went 1-for-4, but those knocks were doubles, the 11th and 10th of the season for the two, respectively. Bumpass has gotten on base at least once in 28-straight games.
The Bearcats offense really got going once Connor Curlis was removed from the game. The Ohio State starter limited UC to one run on two hits in six innings before Kyle Michalik and Joe Stroll let the game get out of hand, allowing three runs apiece. On the other side, UC got great work from its starter and the bullpen. A.J. Olasz only went four innings, but he allowed just one run. Then Jarod Yoakam twirled three innings of shutout ball and Nathan Kroger and A.J. Kullman each tossed scoreless innings of relief.
Playing in the middle of the week has been a pleasant endeavor for the Bearcats, who are 6-2 in such contest this season, including an upset of then No. 1 Louisville.
With wins in back-to-back contests, UC now prepares for an extremely difficult weekend, as it will travel to take on USF. Now you may be wondering, is USF any good? I don’t know, is a 28-5 team good? You tell me. Stay tuned for coverage of that series in the next few days.
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