Bearcats Close Out Florida Trip
 
The Bearcats finished up a four game series in Florida with a doubleheader against Wayne State on Saturday. Eli Smock led the Bearcats at the plate with 2 hits and the lone RBI when he singled to right in the 6^th inning. Even though the Bearcats outhit the Tarters, 8-7, they only plated the 1 run and it was not enough as they fell 5-1. Brennan Espy pitched 5 innings giving up 3 earned runs and Jacob Martin pitched a perfect 6^th inning giving up zero earned runs. The Bearcats have improved on their fielding as there were zero errors in game one.
 
The Bearcats battled in game 2 but fell 7-4. The Wayne State pitching staff allowed only four hits, but did give up 9 walks to help the Bearcats get base runners. Rhys Cratty led the team at the plate with 2 hits, 1 walk, and 2 RBIs.  Logan Sorrell started on the mound for the Bearcats and finished with 4 earned runs against him. Jake Schrock allowed one earned run in relief while Corbin Reese pitched 2 and 2/3s giving up zero runs. 
 
Even though the outcome is not what the Bearcats wanted, Coach Martin saw a lot of improvement with his team over the four days. "It was a fun trip. Our guys work really hard all year. They each work two home football games and countless basketball games in concessions, and other areas, to reward them with this trip was gratifying.

I thought we got better this weekend. Our defense was the focus all week. We only made 6 errors in 6 games. We showed a lot of improvement. Offensively we are swinging better but 8-41 with RISP won't cut it if we want to accomplish our goals. We had the same number of baserunners as our opponents this weekend but still got outscored by 22. Our pitching had its worst weekend-we simply made too many mistakes in big spots when we should have been focused on command.

We are still learning and trying to get better. We have gained a lot of experience. We aren't where we want to be but are ready to turn the page and start conference play. Our ultimate goal is still in front of us and that's to play post-season baseball. We know we will have to continue to play better to accomplish that."