|
|
 |
 |
 |
||||||
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
||
 |
||||||||
          |
Arbinger continues rampage on MAC pitchingIn a season in which the most consistent characteristic of Ohio hitters and pitchers has been their inconsistency, outfielder Mike Arbinger has been a solid force in the Bobcats’ lineup. Arbinger, whose .460 batting average and 57 hits are leading the Mid-American Conference, went 8-for-11 (.727) with two home runs and five runs batted in against Akron last weekend. Arbinger also leads the Bobcats in nine offensive categories, including home runs, RBI and runs scored. In addition to his success at the plate, Arbinger has changed positions to center field from his customary right field, necessitated by a season-ending injury to center fielder Dan Lunsford. Arbinger’s season has been a fitting finale for the four-year starter, Ohio coach Joe Carbone said. “Mike is an outstanding hitter,” Carbone said. “He hits good pitching, hits for power and steals bases. I don’t know if I’ve ever come to the field in four years when he wasn’t taking extra batting practice. I’d be happy to have Mike as (my right fielder) for as long as I coach.”
Lunsford’s loss causes shift in fieldWhen outfielder Dan Lunsford went down with a season-ending injury April 13, Carbone made it clear there would be a shake-up in the outfield. The transitions have gone smoothly, Carbone said. Arbinger made the switch to center field, and Brian White and Brandon Wheeler have continued to platoon in left field. The wild card of the outfield, however, has been Omari Briscoe. Normally a shortstop, Briscoe has made the move to right field. Carbone said he saw this move as a necessity to keep Briscoe’s bat in the line up.
Carbone reinforces positive attitude despite lossesA 2-9 MAC record has made a long season for the Bobcats. Despite the team’s misfortunes, Carbone said he has been proud of the players’ physical effort. Mental errors and poor preparation continue to fester, he said. “The game is a test,” Carbone said. “If you don’t study, you’re not going to get an A. It’s the same thing (with baseball). If you don’t practice, you’ll make mistakes.” The Bobcats resume MAC action against Buffalo 3 p.m. Friday at Bob Wren Stadium.
— Ben Wickert |