Eric Boggs
The Ohio State baseball team wrapped up its time at the Jax College Baseball Classic with a rollercoaster of emotions, securing a significant win over No. 12 NC State before dropping two hard-fought contests against Coastal Carolina and Alabama.
The Buckeyes (1-5) opened the tournament with an emphatic 8-3 victory over NC State, marking head coach Justin Haire’s first win at the helm. Ohio State capitalized on early mistakes by the Wolfpack, jumping out to a 3-0 lead in the second inning thanks to aggressive baserunning and timely hitting. After NC State tied the game in the third with a three-run homer, Lee Ellis put the Buckeyes back on top with a two-run blast in the fifth. The Buckeyes continued to add insurance runs, while the bullpen shut the door on the Wolfpack, sealing the victory in dominant fashion.
Momentum was on Ohio State’s side heading into the matchup against Coastal Carolina, and the Buckeyes looked poised to secure another victory. They built an early 5-0 lead behind a towering three-run homer from Matthew Graveline and smart base running. However, the Chanticleers chipped away at the lead and exploded for a five-run seventh inning to take control. The Buckeyes showed resilience in the ninth, tying the game 8-8 on a clutch bases-clearing double from Tyler Pettorini, but they ultimately fell 10-8 in extra innings after Coastal Carolina delivered in the 11th.
Sunday’s contest against Alabama followed a similar heartbreaking script. Ohio State stormed out to a commanding 10-0 lead, fueled by a monstrous fourth inning in which Pettorini’s three-run homer highlighted a six-run outburst. The Crimson Tide responded, however, using their own power at the plate to claw back into the game. Alabama closed the gap to one run heading into the bottom of the ninth, where a three-run walk-off home run sealed the Buckeyes’ fate in a stunning 12-10 defeat.
Despite the tough losses, there were plenty of bright spots for Ohio State. Ellis and Pettorini provided steady production at the plate, with Ellis launching two homers during the weekend. Lipsey continued to showcase his ability to get on base, and Graveline delivered clutch performances in key moments. On the mound, Chase Herrell was dominant against Coastal Carolina, striking out a career-high nine batters over six strong innings, while Luke Carrell and Douglas Bauer provided solid relief outings.
The Buckeyes now shift their focus to the College Baseball Series at Globe Life Field, where they will face Auburn, Baylor, and Oregon State. With valuable experience gained from their time in Jacksonville, Ohio State will look to turn close losses into victories as they continue to build momentum early in the season.
