Flashes Bash RedHawks In Yet Another Conference Series Win

Kent State is on a mission this season. Win or lose we know one thing for sure with the Golden Flashes, and that is they will bash the ball all over the place. Another 20-plus run weekend helped the MAC East-leading Golden Flashes maintain their ground.

Friday's contest between the Kent State Golden Flashes (22-12, 9-3 MAC) and the Miami RedHawks (14-20, 5-7 MAC) was an interesting one to say the least. Both starters pitched deep into the game and gave their team a chance to win.

For the RedHawks Seth Varner (4-2) pitched seven strong innings allowing three runs (one earned), eight hits, no walks and eight strikeouts. Varner threw 99 pitches in 7 innings but unfortunately was a tough luck loser after the Flashes were able to break a 2-2 tie in the eighth. Jacob Banks pitched an innings of relief allowing an unearned run and throwing 27 pitches in the process.

For the, Flashes starter Eric Lauer looked good going 6.2 innings allowing two runs (neither earned), five hits, one walk and five strikeouts. Lauer would not factor in the decision. John Fasola (1-0) would pick up his first win of the season while Eric Dorsch (6 saves) would come on for the save.

The RedHawks were lead by Dan Walsh (2-for-3) while the Golden Flashes saw Zarley Zalewski (2-for-3), and Alex Miklos (2-for-3) provide the majority of the offense.

Game Two was a nightmarish game for the RedHawks who saw the Flashes pound out 19 hits. KSU couldn't do anything wrong at the plate, and the RedHawks were thankful to see the game end, and have a shot to take one game on Sunday.

Nathan Williams (2-5) was knocked around the park hard on Saturday allowing a season high 15 hits, 11 runs (10 earned), one walk, and a lone strikeout through just 3.1 innings. The bullpen combined for 4.2 innings pitched striking out only one batter of its own, allowing two runs (both earned) and giving up 4 hits.

The Flashes didn't need a great game from starter Nick Jensen Clagg and its a good thing they didn't. Class was just ok on the afternoon allowing four runs, on six hits and no walks. He also struck out five in 6.1 innings of work.

Once again Dan Walsh (2-for-3) lead the way for the Redhawks recording a couple of hits. The Flashes saw four players record three hits on the afternoon. Alex Miklos (3-for-5), Zarley Zalewski (3-for-5), Jeff Revesz (3-for-5), and Sawyer Polen (3-for-4) were on the base paths consistently making it a long day for Miami-OH pitching.

Game Three would finally be the game the Redhawks triumphed. After falling behind early in the game 2-0 the RedHawks rallied to secure a 6-4 victory at home.

Ryan Powers (3-3) pitched well on Sunday, but nearly found himself on the wrong side of the win loss column. Powers pitched seven strong innings before getting himself in trouble in the 8th. He finished the day going 7.2 innings allowing four runs, on ten hits, and a walk while striking out seven. Powers exited the game after allowing the winnings run to get to second base. Charles Zubrod (2 saves) would seal the deal, and the RedHawks offense would tack on an insurance run to make it easier for the closer.

Flashes starter Brian Clark (3-6) picked up the loss going 5.1 innings pitched allowing seven hit four runs (one earned), and two free passes. Clark did strike out seven, but needed 83 pitches in his short time on the bump.

Dan Walsh (2-for-4) had his third multi hit game of the series while teammates Scott Slappey (2-for-4) and Ryan Elble (2-for-4) helped secure the victory. Elble tied the score at two with a bunt single and the RedHawks would explode for three more runs in the 6th and never look back as they locked up the victory.

Jon Wilson ( 2 for 4), Justin Wagler (2-for-4), and Zach Beckner (2-for-4) all lead the way for the Flashes as they could not quite complete the series sweep to stand alone in the top of the MAC standings.

Kent State will travel to Buffalo to take on the Bulls  next weekend, while Miami will head to Ypsilanti and square off against the Eastern Michigan Eagles.