GREENSBORO, N.C. ? Leading 7-2 late in the game, the Ohio University baseball team allowed four runs in the bottom of the eighth inning and two more in the ninth and fell for the third straight time to the UNC-Greensboro Spartans on Sunday.

Senior right-hander Chris Bova started on the mound for the Bobcats (2-5) and gave up two runs, both earned, in five and a third innings of action. He struck out two while giving up four hits and two walks.

Bova was replaced by Dan O?Rourke, who gave up six runs ? three earned ? on eight hits in three and a third innings. The right-handed junior struck out two and walked one while taking the loss.

Ohio got on the board early and often against the Spartans (10-1), scoring two runs in both the first and third innings, another run in the fourth and two more in the seventh.

Playing without junior standout Ben Crabtree in the lineup, the Bobcats were paced on offense by leadoff hitter Bryan Buck and catcher Phil Sabatini, who both went 3-for-5 at the plate. Brian Colopy and Brian White also collected two hits apiece for Ohio.

All three of UNCG?s final runs were unearned as the Bobcats committed a fielding error in both the eighth and ninth innings. In all, Ohio had five errors compared to one for the Spartans, which accounted for both Bobcat runs in the seventh.

Ohio returns to Bob Wren Stadium to face James Madison on Tuesday. The 3 p.m. contest will begin a 10-game home stand for the Bobcats.

For ticket information, please contact the Ohio Athletics Ticket Office at 740-593-1300 or 800-575-CATS.