The Tigers welcome Ohio University to the jungle for three games this weekend. The Bobcats are 6-6 on the season, splitting each of the four game series they’ve played this season. This will be a tough match-up for Towson, as Ohio ranks near the top of the Mid-American Conference in several offensive categories and boast a team ERA under three (2.98, ranked 40th nationally). Falling behind is especially ill-advised, as their bullpen is filthy; they are led by closer Jake Roehn, who hasn’t allowed a run in five appearances, with 11.81K/9 and zero walks. That said, Ohio’s starters don’t strike out a ton of guys and allow more walks than their opponents (it would be nice to see that trend continue this series), so there should be opportunities to get guys on base and score runs.
Towson seems to have settled on their weekend rotation, with Gavin Weyman starting Friday’s game, followed by David Marriggi and Michael Adams over the weekend. All three were solid last weekend and look to build on those performances.
The Tigers’ offense has been more than respectable this year, averaging nearly five runs per game. Despite playing two fewer games, Towson is equal, or nearly so, to Ohio in runs, doubles, home runs and stolen bases.
The Watch List
Richie Palacios, SS – .368/.510/.763, 38 at bats, 6 d0ubles, 3 hom runs, 11 RBI, 11 runs, 2-2 stolen bases. Palacios went hitless for the first time this season on Wednesday, but walked three times. He’s walked ten times on the season to only six strikeouts.
Andrew Cassard, OF – .286/.355/.321, 28 at bats, 1 double, 5 RBI, 5 runs, 1-1 stolen bases. Cassard has batted lead-off each of the last two games.
Dirk Masters, 2B – .296/.457/.333, 27 at bats, 1 double, 1 RBI, 5 runs, 1-1 stolen bases. Masters has hit in four straight games, going 6-13 during the streak.
Bo Plagge, OF – .600/.733/.900, 10 at bats, 1 home run, 3 RBI, 2 runs
Bo Plagge, P – 8.59 ERA, 7.1 innings, 9 strikeouts, 6 walks
David Marriggi, P – 1-0, 2.35 ERA, 15.1 innings, 9 strikeouts, 13 walks, .180 b/avg
More Info
Pitching match-ups, series history, and more can be found here. All three games should be streaming online. I will update this post with line-ups and any other new info as they become available.
March 9, 2018 Game Notes
Line-up
The top of the line-up seems to be getting pretty well set with Cassard/Palacios/Grunberg taking the top spots. Bo Plagge, who leads the Colonial Athletic Association in slash line stats (if you don’t, you know, limit at bats) is the designated hitter and bats cleanup. Noah Cabrera gets the start at third and bats eighth. The sophomore had a nice game Wednesday.
- Andrew Cassard, LF
- Richie Palacios, SS
- Mark Grunberg, CF
- Bo Plagge, DH
- Colin Gimblet, RF
- Charlie Watters, 1B
- Trey Martinez, C
- Noah Cabrera
- Dirk Masters, 2B
SP– Gavin Weyman, RHP
Video
You can watch this one online right here.
