Ohio State Drops Series Opener to Valpo

Friday, March 7

Columbus, Ohio

4:00 P.M.

Ohio State

2-9

Valparaiso

3-6

Valparaiso

Ohio State

Ohio State Drops Series Opener to Valpo

3/7/2025 8:40:00 PM | Baseball

Box Score

COLUMBUS, Ohio – The Ohio State baseball team (2-9) fell to Valparaiso (2-6), 10-7, on Friday evening at Bill Davis Stadium in the teams' series opener.

Game Recap

The Beacons took the first lead of the game, 1-0, in the top of the first after a hit-by-pitch with the bases loaded.
With one out on the board in the bottom of the first inning, Lee Ellis singled to center field. Tyler Pettorini reached on a fielder's choice and advanced to second on a failed pickoff attempt. A single from Matthew Graveline scored Pettorini to tie the score, 1-1. Mason Eckelman stepped up to the dish next and he sent one 381 feet out of the park over the right field wall to plate two runs and give the Buckeyes the lead, 3-1.
Valpo reclaimed the lead, 4-3, in the top of the second inning after scoring on a Buckeye error and a two-RBI single.
In the bottom of the second with one out, Zach Freeman doubled to center field. A double from Reggie Bussey sent Freeman home and tied the score, 4-4.
An RBI single from the Beacons in the top of the fifth inning put them ahead of Ohio State by one, 5-4.
Valpo extended its lead in the seventh frame, getting ahead of the Buckeyes, 10-4, after two two-RBI singles and a score on a wild pitch.
In the bottom of the seventh, Nick Giamarusti was hit by a pitch to lead off the home half of the inning. With two outs, Trey Lipsey doubled down the left field line. Ellis then drew a walk to load the bases. A double to right field from Pettorini cleared the bases and left the Buckeyes trailing by just three runs, 10-7.
The Buckeyes held the Beacons scoreless for the remainder of the game. Lipsey reached base in the bottom of the ninth after being walked, but he was stranded as Valpo came away with the 10-7 win to open the series.

Buckeyes by the Numbers

Bussey and Graveline led the Buckeyes with two hits each.
Pettorini had a team-high three RBIs and Eckelman had two RBIs.
Ryan Butler struck out three and gave up four runs on three hits in a 1.0-inning no-decision.
Nik Copenhaver fanned two in 3.0 innings of relief and Hunter Shaw struck out two in 2.0 innings to close the game.
Gavin Kuzniewski (1-1) took the loss. He struck out one and gave up one run on four hits in 2.0 innings pitched.

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