Younger Players Stepping up for OSU Baseball
By: Meghan Carroll
Rivalry week is always the best week for Ohio State when they play That Team Up North, but for the OSU baseball team it means continuing to adjust to losing key infielder Noah West and trusting some younger players to step up on the field.
The preparation for the Michigan games is the same prep as any other series, but there will be some adjustments as the team continues to play without junior infielder, Noah West. West has a season-ending knee injury and the Buckeyes have been adjusting their infield and relying on some younger players to take over positions.
“It’s been tough losing Noah West, but the younger guys on the team have had to step up and they definitely learn some things as far as some growing pains,” Lonsway says, “they’re definitely talented and I think they have a bright future ahead of them.”
One younger player that stands out as far as stepping up when the team needs him is freshman Zach Dezenzo. One player that noted on his ability to help out was junior captain Dominic Canzone.
“It was huge for Zach, I know he’s a natural shortstop,” Canzone says, “at first you saw he was a little uncomfortable…the last couple days he’s really been feeling this position well…he’s been a huge part to our success lately on defense.”
Head coach Greg Beals notes, “he’s a very talented young man, Zach is, so he’s relying on that athleticism and relying on the baseball player that’s inside him.”
“For me, the biggest part about his character is that he can have a bad day at the plate but when he’s out on the field, you don’t see it translate ever so that’s huge,” Dominic Canzone says.
Another notable younger player stepping up is sophomore catcher and captain Dillon Dingler. He was voted captain as just a sophomore and has been helping lead the team while he stays behind the plate.
“It’s very important to have your catcher of leadership quality and have the qualities that Dillon has,” coach Beals says, “it speaks tons that his teammates voted him captain as a sophomore…and the respect that he’s earned in the short time he’s been here, we’re fortunate to have that type of guy as our catcher.”
It’s especially important for younger players to step up knowing they will be highly relied on in the future seasons and it’s to see that this Ohio State team has a big respect for every player. It can be rare to find a team that faces adversity and deal with it well, but these Buckeyes are doing just that and handling their adversity with pride.
Losing some of their key players doesn’t stop the Buckeyes from continuing to be great at bat and field well, but the team continues to look on forward as they move on with the rest of their season and face the Michigan Wolverines in the upcoming weekend.
