“The weather has been unkind to Northeast Ohio’s baseball teams. The University of Akron baseball team, similar to the Cleveland Indians, has had eight games postponed or canceled because of the inclement conditions. It’s hard to get in a rhythm, especially with our young pitching staff, coach Pat Bangtson said.”
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The weather has been unkind to Northeast Ohio’s baseball teams.

The University of Akron baseball team, similar to the Cleveland Indians, has had eight games postponed or canceled because of the inclement conditions.

It’s hard to get in a rhythm, especially with our young pitching staff, coach Pat Bangtson said. We’ll get better, but we just have to progress at a faster pace.

Still, the Zips have built a respectable 14-9 record this season.

Wednesday’s game against Youngstown State University was the latest. Akron was expected to play the second game of a five-game homestand on Wednesday at Canal Park, but it was put on hold. The game was rescheduled for May 15.

The Zips have played just one of five scheduled games in the past week, with a three-game series against Western Michigan postponed. That series has yet to be rescheduled.

The one game the Zips did play was a 14-inning loss to Pittsburgh, which was the longest game the Zips have played in 17 years. Pitt’s Rob Brandt broke the 2-2 tie with an RBI single in the top half of the 14th to give the Panthers the win. Bangtson, however, was encouraged by what he saw.

The biggest thing was that we fought through a lot of adversity, he said. It’s a team sport. Some days we won’t hit, and we may have to win a pitcher’s duel. Other days we might have to win a slugfest if our pitchers aren’t doing too well.

To stay sharp, the Zips have been forced to hold intrasquad scrimmages to simulate the games and experience they are missing. They have used the time off to work on specific areas, and to rest.

The big thing with the postponements is that we have to take it as a positive, Bangtson said. It’s a good midseason break. We can use it to get ready for the final six or seven weeks, which is the most important time of the season.

We want to be playing our best baseball at the end of the season.

The Zips have a three-game home series scheduled against Central Michigan. The first game begins Friday at 3 p.m.

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” #1.1362111:1847734457.JPG:NIU081-1.JPG:Charlie Lenhard had four hits in the 14-inning loss to Pitt. :Jeff Harwell / Zips Sports Photography”