Scarlet swept the Scarlet & Gray World Series for Ohio State Baseball as Justin Haire outlined his fall development priorities and Gavin West and Dane Harvey discussed team culture.

Ohio State’s Scarlet & Gray World Series ended with a Scarlet sweep, edging Gray 5-4 on Friday before shutting them out on Sunday afternoon. Weather conditions couldn’t have been more different from game to game. Game 1 was a beautiful, clear Fall evening, while Game 2 saw passing showers, overcast skies, and cooler temperatures.

Friday’s opener featured three home runs in a one-run game. Gavin West and Jacob Parr each hit one for Gray, while Addinson Binnie hit Scarlet’s lone homer. Sunday’s game was different, as Scarlet kept Gray off the scoreboard with solid pitching and team defense.

For head coach Justin Haire, the intrasquad series is part of a fall schedule emphasizing development and competition. Players wear their game uniforms, use separate locker rooms, and play on opposite sides of the field for two games.

“There’s a lot of trash talk and a lot of competitiveness,” Haire said. “It’s a lot of fun.”

Having fun can sometimes get lost in competition, but not with this group of Buckeyes. The team chemistry and relationships are evident in how the players carry themselves around teammates. Both dugouts were fully engaged and supportive, with an acute sense of joy and competitiveness.

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— Ohio State Baseball (@OhioStateBASE) October 9, 2026

However, the stakes extend beyond bragging rights. Scarlet earned steaks for winning the series, while Gray got hot dogs and the possibility of serving duties and locker-cleaning assignments. With families in town for family weekend, the series also gave parents a chance to watch their sons compete.

Haire’s larger priority is preparing the roster for the spring.

“We’ve got to take this three or four-month period and try to build the biggest engine in each one of our guys that we possibly can,” Haire said.

That means pushing players physically while teaching them to compete through fatigue. It also means evaluating the options available across the field. Haire said Ohio State has versatile players at shortstop, third base, second base, and center field, with some still working back from injuries.

“They’re gonna give us some upgraded athleticism, kind of across the board, and some physicality across the board,” Haire said.

Team Culture & Accountability

Gavin West is looking to contribute after a hamstring injury sidelined him for most of last season. Back on the field this fall, he wants to bring power and energy to the lineup.

“I kind of want to be that spark on the field,” West said. “I want to be able to hit the balls out of the yard and just kind of bring that missing piece to the team this year.”

West also expects to help guide a younger roster alongside other veterans, including Dane Harvey, whose approach to leadership centers on daily habits rather than speeches. Harvey wants to do routine work with intent, set the standard through his preparation, and keep teammates focused on moving the program forward.

“Doing the boring stuff, you know, with intent,” Harvey said. He credited coach Haire’s energy and accountability with helping establish that culture. Haire’s expectations extend beyond preparation. Harvey said the Ohio State Baseball coach builds relationships with his players but does not hesitate to address mistakes and demand adjustments.

“He is an energy giver,” Harvey said. “He’s a great leader, and he holds us accountable…He loves you like his own, but he’s not afraid to tear into you.”

Harvey believes that balance has helped establish a culture where players accept criticism and respond to coaching. As Ohio State works toward its Big Ten goals, Haire’s challenge is to maintain those standards throughout the season, holding a younger roster accountable while developing the depth and consistency the Buckeyes will need in the spring.