The Battle of the Bricks shifted to Akron as the Ohio Bobcats renewed their rivalry with the Miami RedHawks. Miami, ranked 24th nationally by ESPN and boasting an impressive 46-7 record with just one loss in MAC play, faced the Bobcats, who entered the MAC Tournament on an eight-game win streak but carried a seven-game losing streak against Miami in the rivalry. Unfortunately for Ohio, their winning streak ended as they fell to Miami, 3-1.
The game started with Ohio quickly getting runners on base in the top of the first inning, resulting in a 1-0 lead. However, Miami responded immediately in the bottom half with a leadoff walk followed by a home run, taking a 2-1 lead. Miami extended their lead to 3-1 with another run in the first inning.
Ohio’s star pitcher, Skipp Miller, was pulled after just one out and six batters faced, potentially to preserve her for future games in the tournament. Despite several scoring opportunities for both teams, the score remained unchanged, resulting in Ohio’s 3-1 defeat and relegation to the elimination side of the bracket.
Miller’s struggles against Miami continued, as she has given up a total of 16 earned runs in three outings against them this season. Ohio missed crucial opportunities to capitalize on Miami’s pitching dominance, leaving seven runners on base throughout the game.
With the loss, Ohio now faces elimination in every game for the remainder of the tournament. Their next opponent will be the winner of Ball State and Toledo, with the game scheduled to follow immediately after Miami and Ohio’s matchup.
