MU hasn’t had a streak longer than two games (winning or losing) since taking three straight games April 16, 17 and 19.
“It’s probably like no other team I’ve ever really coached, as an assistant or head coach,” eighth-year Miami coach Dan Simonds said. “We show signs that we’re capable of beating anybody, then there’s games where we don’t give ourselves a chance.
“It’s a little funny. It would not surprise me to have a good weekend and take that into the tournament and do very, very well in the tournament. That said, we just need a few more guys to play a little more consistent.”
The RedHawks would be seeded sixth in the eight-team MAC tournament, scheduled for May 22-25 at All Pro Freight Stadium in Avon, if it started today.
MU hosts Ohio (13-36, 8-15) on Thursday and Friday at 6 p.m. and Saturday at 1 p.m. Two wins would clinch Miami’s spot in the tourney, though the RedHawks could get swept and still make the postseason under the right circumstances.
“We have taken thousands of swings and thrown thousands of balls,” Simonds said. “When it gets right down to it, it’s just about going out and performing.”
In order, Brooks Fiala (5-5, 2.78 ERA), Mac Thoreson (5-5, 5.30) and Nathan Williams (4-3, 4.68) will start on the mound against the Bobcats at McKie Field.
The RedHawks have four .300 hitters — right fielder Jake Romano (.375), designated hitter John Crummy (.336), left fielder Matt Honchel (.330) and third baseman Chad Sedio (.325). Center fielder Alex Johnson is hitting .277 with a team-best four homers and 37 RBIs.
Simonds made some recent lineup changes. Sedio was moved from the outfield to third base, Ryan Elble went from second base to shortstop, and Dan Walsh went from third base to second base.
“It’s been very positive for our team,” Simonds said. “Sedio played some shortstop and third base in high school, but he’s more of an outfielder. We just couldn’t put him out there because of (Romano, Honchel and Johnson).”
OU would seem to be the perfect opponent for an MU squad seeking some momentum heading into the tournament. Simonds said he can’t look at it that way.
“What they’ve done is of little consequence to me right now because I realize what this club’s about,” he added. “It’s not who we play, but how we play. Honestly, I don’t want to just limp into the tournament. If you go into the tournament playing average or below-average baseball, you’re not going to go very far.”
About the Author