By NATHANIEL CLARK Daily Sports Writer With the Michigan baseball team’s seven wins in its last eight games — including series victo- ries over No. 18 Maryland and Indiana — it may be tempt- ing to start looking ahead to events like the Big Ten Tournament and a possible NCAA Tourna- ment berth. But as Mich- igan coach Erik Bakich routine- ly points out, those events are still a long way off. Right now, the Wol- verines (4-5 Big Ten, 19-13 overall) are squarely focused on their upcoming week- end series at Penn State. “We haven’t accomplished anything yet,” Bakich said. “We still have our backs firmly pressed against the wall.” The Nittany Lions’ record (1-4, 9-18) suggests that they are not a major threat to Michigan. But Penn State still does have a few weapons in its arsenal. Outfielder Aaron Novak boasts a .371 batting average with four home runs, and pitcher Nick Distasio possesses a 3.58 ERA. For Michigan, little-known sophomore outfielder Johnny Slater who emerged as Tuesday’s hero. After batting just .172 last season, he launched two home runs — the first of his collegiate career — and drove in six Tuesday, which matched his 2014 RBI total. And it’s not just power hit- ting where the Wolverines excel. Junior infielder Jacob Cronen- worth holds the runner-up posi- tion in the Big Ten in walks with 22 and in runs scored with 34. “We’re one of those offenses where it’s tough to get through all nine hitters,” Bakich said. “We have nine guys that are produc- tive.” Michigan’s injuries are heal- ing, too. Junior infielder Travis Maezes and junior left-handed pitcher Evan Hill are back and are contributing to the Wolverines’ cause. Maezes has 10 hits in 21 at-bats with six runs scored since his return to the lineup on April 1. Hill, meanwhile, started Tues- day’s game and surrendered one run on two hits in two innings. “The first month (of rehab) was an absolute grind,” Hill said. “I wouldn’t wish that on anybody.” However, sophomore right- hander Keith Lehmann remains sidelined with an injury, along with fellow sophomore right- hander Jackson Lamb. Neither of them have seen action in a game in about a month. Sports The Michigan Daily — michigandaily.com Friday, April 10, 2015 — 9 ‘M’ hosts Ohio State By BRANDON CARNEY Daily Sports Writer Within the confines of the Michigan men’s lacrosse team’s locker room, a clock has been ticking, counting down to the moment that the Wolverines hope will be remembered in the record books. Sunday, when the time expires, Michigan (1-1 Big Ten, 5-5 overall) will host No. 12 Ohio State (2-0, 9-3) at Michigan Stadium in hopes of earning its first win against its archrival in the season’s most highly anticipated matchup. In the previous three battles, the Buckeyes have dominated the Wolverines, going undefeated and winning each game decisively. But this team has taken tremendous strides maturing since the two teams last met, and Michigan should feel more confident heading into Sunday’s game than in previous meetings. After earning the program’s first Big Ten win against Rutgers, Michigan is hoping it can carry over the momentum, especially on the offensive end. After struggling for much of the season, the Wolverines solved some of the scoring issues they have had in a 10-goal performance against the Scarlet Knights. “We were very good in transition against Rutgers, and that was a big part of our success,” said Michigan coach John Paul. “We’ve figured out that if our offense is struggling a little bit, the transition’s been an important piece for us.” That tactic may not prove to be as effective, though, against a physical Ohio State defense. The Buckeyes rank ninth in the country in goals allowed, surrendering 7.83 per game, and have given up 10 or more goals just three times this season. Michigan has had no problem creating scoring opportunities in recent weeks, but it hasn’t been efficient in capitalizing on them. The return of sophomore attacker Ian King was a big boost for a struggling Wolverine offense against Rutgers, but Michigan’s attack will need to finish whatever chances it gets to overcome the stingy Buckeye defense. “There were opportunities on the table that we either didn’t see or didn’t execute, and we’ve got to be better at executing,” Paul said. “Having (King) back helps, but we’re not going to win games because he’s back. We need everybody to continue to learn and improve from when we couldn’t capitalize the last few games.” On the opposite sideline, another King will also be lurking, looking to poach goals. Ohio State senior attacker Jesse King (no relation) currently leads the conference with 39 points and is coming off a five-goal performance against Johns Hopkins. “(Ohio State) works very hard to get the ball to their best players, Jesse King certainly, in advantageous positions,” Paul said. “They do a lot of things you have to prepare for, and that’s what we’ve been doing this week — preparing to slow down the areas of the game they’re so good at.” The Buckeyes score a majority of their goals early during offensive possessions, which has proved to be a risky strategy that yields inconsistent results. Though Ohio State scored 15 goals against Johns Hopkins last Sunday, the Buckeyes were shut out against Notre Dame, a feat accomplished just six times in Division I since 2007. Scoring struggles have been especially prevalent on the road for Ohio State, where it has endured all three of its losses. With the Buckeyes matching up with a much-improved Wolverine defense, goals could be at a premium if Ohio State can’t find King in the right spots. Facing a ranked opponent will be a challenge for Michigan. The Wolverines are 0-19 all-time against top-20 teams, a streak that has ominously hung over the program since its inception. Michigan’s seniors view Sunday’s matchup as an opportunity to break recent trends and leave a permanent mark on the young, up-and- coming program. The veteran group has stayed committed to the program through all the losses and believes the time has come to validate the hard work they have put into building from the ground up. While the seniors have been leading and sharing anecdotes with the rest of team all week, Paul knows when game time comes, it won’t take much to get his team motivated for an already emotional rivalry game. “It’s funny, because as much as you have guys stepping up and talking about how much this game means, the reality is when you’re at Michigan vs. Ohio State, you don’t need that,” Paul said. “You know this is a big game, and all of the other pomp and circumstance and fluff you don’t need. It’s part of who we are here a Michigan. When we play Ohio State, we gotta be ready to go.” MEN’S LACROSSE Ohio State at Michigan Matchup: Ohio State 9-3; Michigan 5-5 When: Sunday 2 P.M. Where: Michigan Stadium TV/Radio: ESPNU BASEBALL Michigan heads back on road against Penn State Michigan at Penn State Matchup: Michigan 19-13; Penn State 9-18 When: Friday 5 P.M., Saturday 2 P.M., Sunday 1 P.M. Where: Medlar Field TV/Radio: Friday on BTN