Mountain Hawks fall 7-2 to Ohio State in Florida

CLEARWATER, Fla. – Lehigh trimmed Ohio State’s lead to two in the top of the seventh inning, but watched the Buckeyes score three runs in the bottom of the eighth as the Mountain Hawks fell 7-2 in the first game of their Florida trip at Jack Russell Stadium. Sophomore Matt Reitz and freshman Patrick Groome scored both of Lehigh’s runs as the Mountain Hawks now fall to 0-2-1 on the season, while Ohio State improves to 3-3.

In the first four innings, junior Joe Matteo did not give up a hit as the Mountain Hawk offense got a pair of hits from senior Nick Bet and Reitz. However, Ohio State’s offense began to show in the bottom of the fifth when Jason Zoeller singled to center field. Matteo would strike out Cory Kovanda, but gave up a single to Jacob Howell that went through the right side. With Zoeller and Howell in scoring position, Eric Fryer singled to center field to bring in Zoeller and Howell and give Ohio State a 2-0 lead.

The Buckeyes doubled their lead in the following inning with runs from Ryan Dew and Tony Kennedy, but Reitz started the Mountain Hawk offense in the top of the seventh when he singled to left field and then advanced to second on a fielding error. Cory Luebke walked Groome. Both Groome and Reitz advanced to second and third bases, respectively, off a passed ball. Senior Stephen Salemme then grounded out to the shortstop, but got an RBI as Reitz crossed home plate. With Groome on third, freshman Josh Harakal walked and then stole second, which allowed Groome to score to make the score 4-2 still in favor of Ohio State.

With two outs in the bottom of the eighth, Kovanda singled through the left side and then stole second. Ohio State loaded the bases off a pair of walks and then saw Kovanda score when Fryer was walked. J.B. Shuck then singled through the right side to bring in the final two runs of the game.

Matteo was given the loss after he pitched five innings and struck out two batters, but allowed three hits and two runs. Luebke earned the win for the Buckeyes, while Rory Meister earned his second save of the season.

Lehigh returns to action on Monday morning versus Duquesne in Clearwater, Fla. Game time is scheduled for 10:00 am.

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Mountain Hawks fall 7-2 to Ohio State in Florida

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