ATHENS, Ohio – The Toledo baseball team fell in its weekend opener to Ohio, as the Bobcats took the lead for good in the sixth inning in a 6-3 final at Bob Wren Field on Friday.
 
The Rockets (19-23, 12-10 MAC) were unable to take advantage of an early lead as the Bobcats (13-24, 8-11 MAC) won their third straight game.
 
"Tonight was a tough defeat where we didn't play badly, but things just didn't go our way," said Head Coach Rob Reinstetle. "The energy from the guys was good. Even though the scoreboard doesn't reflect it, we swung the bats well and hit the ball hard. They were just right at fielders or ran down in the gaps."
 
Toledo's runs were driven in by junior Trey Wright, freshman Brandon Lucek and freshman Luke Walton. Senior Owen Jackson drew three walks for the second consecutive game.
 
Senior Grant Umberger (5-4) pitched 5.2 innings, allowing four runs (three earned) on nine hits to mark his ninth time allowing four runs or less in 11 starts this season. He allowed just one walk, struck out two and induced two double plays. The bullpen totaled 2.1 innings, allowing two unearned runs on two hits, including a scoreless inning from senior Camryn Szynski.
 
The Rockets and Bobcats will play game two of the weekend series on Saturday, with first pitch set for 2:00 p.m. on ESPN+.
 
"We've been in a swoon and need to show back up and compete to win tomorrow's game and even the series," said Reinstetle.
 
HOW IT HAPPENED

• The Rockets put two on the board in the first, first on back-to-back doubles by Garret Pike and Luke Walton followed by a Trey Wright RBI single.
• OU tied the game in the third on a two-run single.
• UT drew consecutive walks to lead of the sixth, leading to a Brandon Lucek sacrifice fly two batters later for a 3-2 lead.
• The Bobcats responded with a two-out single in the bottom of the inning to tie the game. A passed ball later in the inning put Ohio ahead, 4-3.
• A throwing error gave Ohio a key insurance run, before an RBI double tacked on another for a 6-3 OU lead in the eighth.