HIGHLAND HEIGHTS, Ky. – The Ohio baseball team (6-17, 2-7 MAC) fell to Northern Kentucky (14-9, 4-2 Horizon) in an 8-7 decision on Tuesday, March 25.  

Ohio finished with seven runs, ten hits and three errors. Northern Kentucky finished with eight runs, 11 hits and one error.  

Sophomore Ben Slanker (Canfield, Ohio) went 2-for-3 at the plate, hitting two home runs and recording five RBIs. Freshman Matt Ineich (South Lyon, Mich.) led the Bobcats in hits, going 3-for-4 at the plate with two runs. Sophomore Pauly Mancino (Westlake, Ohio) went 2-for-4, tallied two runs and recorded one RBI.  

Freshman Hunter Wilson (Hinckley, Ohio) got the start on the mound, striking out two batters and allowing three runs on three hits in two innings pitched. Senior Tyler Peck (Oak Creek, Wis.) and freshman Luke Bryant (Ashland, Ohio) each struck out one batter without allowing any runs.  

The Bobcats wasted no time getting on the scoreboard, putting two runners on base before Slanker slammed a three-run home run to right center, giving Ohio an early 3-0 lead. The Bobcats increased their lead in the top of the second inning, capitalizing on three hits and a throwing error for a 4-0 advantage.   

 Northern Kentucky hit a three-run home run to cut into Ohio's lead and set the score at 4-3 after two.  

Ineich's impressive outing continued in the fourth, opening the inning with his second double of the game. Mancino followed with an RBI single to left to bring Ineich home for his second run of the game. Slanker was next at bat at hit his second home run of the game to tally two more runs for the Bobcats for a 7-3 lead.  

After a scoreless fifth and sixth innings, Northern Kentucky went on to score five unanswered runs, ultimately winning the game 8-7. 

The Bobcats will be back in action when they host Eastern Michigan on Friday, March 28. First pitch is set for 3 p.m. ET and the game will be available to watch on ESPN+ 

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