Eric Boggs
The Ohio State baseball team (1-8) showcased resilience and fight throughout a tough weekend at the Amegy Bank College Baseball Series at Globe Life Field, but despite late rallies and strong individual performances, the Buckeyes were unable to secure a victory. Facing top-tier competition, Ohio State fell to No. 9 Oregon State, Baylor, and Auburn, highlighting areas of promise and concern as the season continues.
Sunday: Buckeyes’ Comeback Bid Falls Short Against No. 9 Oregon State
In a game filled with momentum shifts, the Buckeyes mounted a thrilling comeback to briefly take the lead before ultimately falling to Oregon State (7-3) by a score of 12-10.
The Beavers jumped out to a 4-0 lead in the first inning, but Ohio State responded with a solo home run from Mason Eckelman in the second and capitalized on an Oregon State error to cut the deficit to 4-2. After Oregon State stretched its advantage to 7-2 by the third, the Buckeyes chipped away with a solo shot from Lee Ellis in the fifth.
The turning point came in the sixth inning when Ohio State erupted for a five-run rally. Marc Stephens and Nick Giamarusti led off with singles before a well-placed bunt from Reggie Bussey loaded the bases. Ellis and Tyler Pettorini each forced in runs with a walk and a hit-by-pitch, and then Matthew Graveline delivered a clutch three-run double to put the Buckeyes ahead, 8-7.
Ohio State extended its lead to 9-7 in the seventh, as Ellis drew another bases-loaded walk. However, the Beavers responded with a late-game surge, scoring five runs in the eighth, including a three-run homer, to seal the Buckeyes’ fate.
Graveline led Ohio State with three hits, including two doubles, while Ellis and Graveline each recorded three RBIs. Luke Carrell (0-1) took the loss after surrendering five runs in relief, despite striking out three in 1.1 innings pitched.
Saturday: Late Homers Not Enough Against Baylor
Ohio State showed fight against Baylor (8-2), rallying late with home runs from Pettorini and Giamarusti, but fell 8-6.
Baylor struck first with a two-run homer in the fourth, adding another in the fifth to go up 4-1. Bussey scored on a Baylor error in the fifth, and Stephens’ RBI single in the sixth cut the lead to 4-2.
The Buckeyes came alive in the eighth when Pettorini launched a towering 416-foot blast to right field, tying the game at 4-4. However, Baylor responded with four runs in the bottom half, reclaiming an 8-4 lead.
Ohio State had one last push in the ninth as Giamarusti crushed a 430-foot home run to left-center, bringing the Buckeyes within two. However, the rally ended there, sealing another tough loss.
Pettorini led the team with two hits, while Giamarusti and Pettorini each drove in two runs. Starter Chase Herrell struck out four and allowed four runs over five innings, while Hunter Shaw (1-2) took the loss after giving up two runs in relief.
Friday: Buckeyes Struggle Against Auburn’s Dominance
Ohio State’s weekend began with a difficult 13-0 loss to Auburn (9-1) in a run-rule game.
The Tigers exploded for eight runs in the second inning, taking advantage of an RBI single, a sac fly, a bases-loaded walk, and multiple extra-base hits. Ohio State managed just two hits, with Lipsey and Ellis recording singles. The Buckeyes had a brief scoring chance in the third with two runners on but couldn’t capitalize.
Auburn tacked on additional runs in the fourth, fifth, and sixth, while Ohio State struggled to generate offense. Drew Erdmann (0-1) took the loss, allowing eight runs in 1.2 innings.
Looking Ahead
Ohio State now turns its focus to the home opener at Bill Davis Stadium on Tuesday, March 4, against St. John’s at 3:00 p.m., marking the earliest home opener since 1992. The Buckeyes will then host Valparaiso for a three-game series from March 7-9, followed by a midweek matchup against Eastern Michigan on March 11.
Despite a challenging start to the season, the Buckeyes have shown moments of promise. If they can build on their late-game rallies and shore up their pitching, brighter days could be ahead for Ohio State baseball.
