Traveling to Columbus, Ohio, to play a ranked team for the first time this season doesn't bother the Ball State University baseball team.
The Cardinals (16-17) were scheduled to play three teams ranked in preseason polls, but all had dropped out of the rankings by the time they faced Ball State. Ohio State (29-8) is No. 23 by the National Collegiate Baseball Writers Association.
"It really doesn't matter what their ranking is," coach Greg Beals said. "It's a game that we're certainly looking forward to and is as big as any other game."
The University of Missouri, Kent State University and the University of Louisville began the season in the polls but were unable to stay there. The Buckeyes are on a three-game winning streak after sweeping Purdue University during the weekend. They have won seven of their last eight games, with the only loss coming against Kent State.
Despite Ball State's 6-4 record against common opponents, Beals said his team doesn't draw any confidence from other teams' success.
"We've got confidence going in," Beals said. "Our push, like normal, is to strive to play our best game of baseball."
The Cardinals will call on freshman pitcher Cal Bowling for the start. Bowling is 3-0 with a 5.53 ERA in 12 appearances this season, including three starts.
"This is part of his development," Beals said. "He's been in some big games. We'll have the rest of the bullpen to support him."
He will be countered by freshman Ross Oltorik for Ohio State. Oltorik is 1-0 with a 10.62 ERA in 20 1/3 innings. He will be helped by a strong offense, sporting a team batting average of .328. Of the nine Buckeye regulars, seven have averages over .300.
Beals said the standout part of Ohio State is its entire program, not one part of their team.
"They have a $6 million stadium and one of the wealthiest athletic departments in the nation," Beals said. "They're one of the most recognizable athletic institutions in the country. They recruited good players."
Chief among the Buckeyes' talent is closer Jake Hale. The senior has 10 saves and a 1.12 ERA and has been named to the midseason watch list for the NCBWA's Stopper of the Year Award.
Ball State is 2-0 against Big Ten opponents this season, defeating Purdue and Indiana University. Junior center fielder Jeremy Hazelbaker hit a walk-off home run to beat the Hoosiers 5-4.
"We believe as a team, that you can put us up against any team and we'll do great," Hazelbaker said. "It's just another Big Ten team. We can go in and handle business if we play right."
The leadoff hitter will take his Mid-American Conference best .440 batting average into Bill Davis Stadium as Ball State attempts to win its first night game of the season. Ball State is 0-4 under the lights.
The game will mark a return to Columbus for Cardinals' pitching coach Mike Stafford. Stafford graduated from Ohio State in 1998 and was an All-Big Ten selection in 1998 after leading the Buckeyes in ERA and appearances. Stafford also spent two years as the bullpen coach for the Columbus Clippers, the then AAA affiliate for the New York Yankees.
The Cardinals will return to action Friday at home against Western Michigan University.
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