“April showers spoiled the University of Akron men’s baseball team’s chance to record four consecutive wins against the Cleveland State University Vikings Tuesday. The Zips will look to improve on their current three-game winning streak when they begin a series in Athens, Ohio against the Ohio University Bobcats Friday.”
“

April showers spoiled the University of Akron men’s baseball team’s chance to record four consecutive wins against the Cleveland State University Vikings Tuesday.

The Zips will look to improve on their current three-game winning streak when they begin a series in Athens, Ohio against the Ohio University Bobcats Friday.

The Bobcats are 16-14 overall and rank second to Kent State University in the MAC East Division with a 9-3 record.

The Zips come into the conference series with a 9-23 record overall and a 6-6 record in the MAC, placing them fifth in the East Division and three and a half games out of first.

Every game is important now because you’re playing the teams in your own division, junior shortstop Kevin Haas said. We’re going to try to get a series win and, if we do, it’s a two game swing-it’s an extra loss for them and an extra win for you.

Haas ranks in the top five in most of the Zips offensive categories including hits, batting average, home runs, and runs scored. Haas’ 74 total bases and three triples lead the club.

I’m just trying to be consistent with my swing, adjust and try to hit the ball where it’s pitched, Haas said.

Haas and the red hot Zips offense will take on the Bobcats’ Chris Rigo in game one on Friday.

On the season, Rigo has a 3-2 record with an ERA of 4.40 and the club lead in strikeouts with 37.

Rigo has been the Bobcats horse leading the team in innings pitched with 47.

We have got to make him throw a lot of pitches early and try to get to him, Haas said.

The Zips will start senior captain Tom Farmer to oppose Rigo in game one.

Farmer leads the team in strikeouts and comes into Friday’s game with a 2-5 record overall and an ERA of 6.33.

I just need to take the same approach I’ve been taking, Farmer said. I need to attack the strike zone and try to get ahead of the hitters.

Fellow senior captain Frank Turocy will get the start against the Bobcats in game two on Saturday.

Turocy has struggled this season with a 2-4 record and an ERA of 9.52.

I haven’t been throwing that well this season, but I need to continue to pitch to my strengths, Turocy said. I need to throw my fastball for a strike, mix in changeups and sliders and stay out of the heart of the zone.

The Zips’ starter for game three has yet to be announced, but right-hander Benjamin Danziger remains the leading candidate if he is not used for relief in one of the first two games of the series.

The first pitch for game one against OU is slated for Friday at 6 p.m.

“