Coming off a 15-10 loss to Evansville last Sunday that dropped the team’s record to 1-5, Bowling Green baseball coach Danny Schmitz isn’t making excuses. While there have been a few positives in the early going, the coach believes the team needs to be better.
“We have played fairly well at times, but we are not where we need to be,” Schmitz said. “We just haven’t played well in all areas of the game at the same time.”
In the game against Evansville, the offense was strong. It was led by outfielder Len Elias, who went 2-3 with two runs scored, two RBIs and two walks. His walk in the first inning helped establish BG’s first inning scoring rally. Nick Elrod and Andy Hudak also had RBI hits in the first inning to give BG a 3-0 lead. BG went on to score ten runs in the game.
Yet, while the offense was strong, the pitching couldn’t hold onto the advantage. Sophomore pitcher Keith Laughlin struggled, only lasting an inning and a third, giving up five runs on seven hits. None of the four pitchers that followed managed to hold the Purple aces, and Bowling Green dropped the game.
Despite the fact that the team starts the season playing 23 of its first 25 games on the road, Schmitz doesn’t think that the lack of home games is a valid reason for the team’s early struggles.
“We know that all northern teams start on the road,” Schmitz said. “If we play like we are capable, we should win some games, no matter where they are played.”
The coach said that another thing that the team needs to work on is its mindset for games. He thinks the team needs to have a better focus in order to play better.
“We have to get back on track, and it starts with intensity,” Schmitz said. “Our early approach has been like a country club.”
The Falcons hope to begin their turnaround this weekend with three games against Dayton. BG will play two games Saturday against the Flyers, who have always been a difficult opponent for the Falcons.
“Dayton always plays us tough. They play hard all the time, and we need to do the same,” Schmitz said. “We need to be at the top of our game all the time in order to beat them.”
One of the problems that the Falcons have encountered in the early going, according to Schmitz, is a lack of leadership. The coach hopes that several players will step up, and not just the captains and seniors on the team.
“Leadership is an area of concern,” said Schmitz. “Whether it’s baseball, or coach Dakich in basketball, players need to step up and set an example, regardless of whether they’re a captain or an underclassman.”
The first game of the doubleheader Saturday begins at 1 p.m. The Falcons will have their next series beginning next Friday against Murray State in Kentucky.
