College Baseball

Ohio State University 7, Rider University 2

COLUMBUS, OHIO—The Broncs lost to the Buckeyes Wednesday evening. “We've been consistently inconsistent,” said Rider head coach Barry Davis.  “That sums up today's game as well.”

Ohio State (12-5) scored four runs on five hits, including a triple and two doubles, to take a 6-2 lead in the second inning. “They had a big inning in the second,” Davis said.

RBI singles by senior Justin Thomas (Richboro, PA/Council Rock South) and senior Greg Fazio (Far Hills/Ridge) gave Rider a 2-0 lead in the first inning.

“That was a little disappointing that we got out to a 2-0 lead in the first, something we haven't really been able to do, and then give up the lead right away,” Davis said. “After the first inning we only had one hit and one walk the rest of the way.”

Senior Nick Richter (Fox River Grove, Ill./Cary-Grove) singled, stole a base and scored a run. “It looked like we were getting off to a good start, like we were going to be swinging the bats today,” Davis said.

Freshman Paul Sparano (Ewing, NJ/Ewing) started and pitched into the fifth inning. “He settled down after the second and gave us some innings,” Davis said.

Rider and Ohio State have now met eight times since the series began in the 1991 NCAA Regional, with Rider winning one. The last meeting was in 2005 in Jacksonville. Rider defeated Ohio State 4-2 in the 1995 season opener at South Alabama.

Weather permitting Rider (3-11) begins Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference play this weekend with a three-game series at Siena, beginning with a 12 noon doubleheader Saturday.

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