AKRON, Ohio – The Ohio baseball team (10-33, 5-17 MAC) fell 8-6 in a close matchup at Akron (15-30, 8-17 MAC) on Friday, May 2.
 
Ohio finished with 10 hits and three errors. Akron finished with 12 hits and two errors.
 
Sophomore Ben Slanker (Canfield, Ohio) was Ohio's top offensive performer of the day. Slanker finished 2-for-4 at the plate with one home run, one double, four RBI's and two runs. Redshirt freshman Drew Cox (Mason, Ohio) also recorded two hits including one double. Ohio's other six hits came from six different players.
 
Senior Blake Gaskey (Davenport, Iowa) started on the mound for Ohio. In 6.0 innings pitched, Gaskey recorded two strikeouts and allowed three earned runs. Three other Bobcats appeared on the mound for Ohio.
 
Ohio kicked off the first inning with two runs. An RBI sacrifice fly by senior Nick Dolan (Pittsburgh, Pa.) got the Bobcats on the board. Senior Jackson Cauthron's (Murfreesboro, Tenn.) RBI single scored another run for Ohio. After the first inning, Ohio led Akron 2-1.
 
Slanker's three RBI home run in the top of the second inning increased Ohio's lead to 5-1.
 
A four inning scoring drought allowed Akron to slowly close in on Ohio's lead. After the sixth inning, Akron had gained its first lead of the game.
 
The Bobcats continued to fight to earn their lead back but ultimately fell short. Akron came away with an 8-6 win over Ohio.
 
The Bobcats will be back in action at Akron on Saturday, May 3. First pitch is set for 1 p.m. ET.
 
#OUohyeah