And while Harvard junior starter Ben Crockett hit his spots most of the day--going 7.2 strong innings without allowing a walk--there are probably at least two pitches he wishes he could have back.

With the score tied 1-1 after three and a half innings, Crockett surrendered two solo home runs over the next three frames. The Buckeyes then added an extra run in the bottom of the eighth to spoil the Crimson's season opener, 4-1.

Harvard's only run came in the top of the fourth, when Mager singled home Lentz, who had led off the inning with a single of his own.

Ohio State ace E. J. Laretta received the win, walking just one batter and striking out four in 7.2 innings to up his record to 3-1 on the year. The junior righthander and preseason All-American did surrender nine hits on the day, but Harvard's mistakes on the basepaths killed its best scoring opportunities.

The most agonizing blunder occured in the bottom of the ninth, when Hale was picked off first base for the final out with Llanes due up representing the trying run.

The Crimson had already had one other runner picked off first and one doubled off of second before that point.

But while those running mistakes, as well as the fielding misplays in the later games, may have been troubling, they were mostly mental lapses that can be easily corrected. The more troubling matters from last year--such as Harvard's inability to come back from behind--seem well on their way to being resolved.