What do the New York Yankees and the UB Bulls have in common?
Both teams - despite having no shortage of talent - are currently having plenty of trouble posting wins on the baseball diamond this season.
The Bulls (7-20, 1-4 Mid-American Conference) will try to get their season back on track as they host the Miami of Ohio RedHawks (20-11, 4-1 MAC) this weekend at the Amherst Pepsi Center.
The RedHawks, the MAC's top ranked team, have won nine of their last 12 games and should be in top form, coming off a 14-3 dismantling of Wright State Wednesday and a series last weekend against the No. 4 team in the nation, Rice.
The Bulls, who just had another game on Tuesday postponed, will have had plenty of time to prepare for Miami, as they will take the field again today after a five-day lay-off.
Despite struggling through most of the season to this point, UB has had a few impressive individual performances in the batter's box. Joe Mihalics, who is fifth in the MAC with a .402 average, has 11 doubles, four triples and has scored 23 runs as the Bulls' offensive leader.
Chris McGraw, who is hitting .391 with 12 runs, complements Mihalics, and a recent standout for Buffalo has been Al Barbato. The second baseman is currently hitting .312, with eight doubles, a triple and 13 runs.
But a team can only go as far as its pitching will carry it, which is why UB has faltered this season and Miami shines. The RedHawks have a combined ERA of 4.34, while UB is pulling in with a combined ERA of 7.24.
Keith Weiser, Miami of Ohio's ace, leads the MAC with 53.1 innings pitched and six wins. Jeff Day and Taylor Graham have proven to be effective starters as well, as the two sport ERA's of 4.12 and 4.15 respectively.
While Miami doesn't need much run support, they can put up as many runs as any team in the conference. The RedHawks usually leave the opposing pitcher with an ERA around 6.99, as opposed to Buffalo's 3.91.
Leading the Miami squad in hitting is Mike Ferris who is having a monster year at the plate. He is among the conference leaders in most offensive categories, as he is hitting .383, with 17 home runs, 41 RBIs, 35 runs scored, a .887 slugging percentage, a .510 on base percentage, 102 total bases and 31 walks.
Sam Sellery, who has an average of .382 and Jason Brown, who leads the MAC in plate appearances, provide protection for Ferris.
The Bulls take on the RedHawks this Friday at the Amherst Pepsi Center at 3 p.m. and also play Saturday and Sunday at 1 p.m.
Photo: Courtesy of Laron Fomby
