ATHENS, Ohio (Interstat) — Toledo right-hander Michael Fliss threw seven innings of one-run ball and the Rockets offense erupted for eight runs in the middle innings to beat Ohio 8-3 on Sunday at Bob Wren Stadium, taking the weekend series against the Bobcats.

Fliss, who struck out 10 and allowed one earned run, did not factor into the decision but set the tone as Toledo improved to 27-25 overall and 14-10 in Mid-American Conference play. Ohio fell to 10-41 and 5-22 in league games.

The game was scoreless through three innings. Ohio struck first in the fourth, taking a 1-0 lead on an unearned run after a pair of errors. The Bobcats added another run in the sixth on a groundout, making it 2-0.

Toledo’s breakthrough came in the seventh inning. Catcher Jacob Payne led off with a two-run home run to center field, tying the game at 2-2. Later in the inning, with runners at the corners, Liam Arsich stole home to put Toledo ahead. Troy Sudbrook then scored on a single by Cade Baker, and the Rockets led 4-2.

The Rockets added four more runs in the eighth. Sudbrook drove in two with a single, Charlie Scholvin added an RBI single and Baker brought home another run with a single. Toledo’s 8-2 advantage was more than enough for the bullpen.

Ohio scored once in the ninth on a single by Reese Harmon, but Ryan Hughes closed the door.

Fliss’ outing continued a strong stretch. On May 3, he threw six innings, allowed one run and struck out nine in a win over Ball State. The Rockets have won seven of their last nine games, including three of four in this series after splitting the first two games — a 7-5 win Saturday and a 4-3 loss in 10 innings Friday.

For Ohio, starter Evan Lichtenauer pitched 6 2/3 innings, allowing two earned runs on four hits while striking out four. He left with a 2-0 lead before the Rockets’ rally. The Bobcats have lost 10 of their last 11 games.

Toledo outhit Ohio 11-8. Payne finished 1 for 5 with two RBIs. Sudbrook was 2 for 5 with two RBIs, and Baker went 2 for 5 with two RBIs. For Ohio, Tyler Stack went 2 for 3 with an RBI.

The Rockets will travel to Bowling Green on Tuesday before hosting Kent State for a three-game series starting Thursday. Ohio visits Michigan on Tuesday before a three-game series at Eastern Michigan.

Interstat’s game simulator projected an 8-2 final score for Toledo, and the Interstat ELO system gave the Rockets a 70.20 percent probability of winning.