:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/46322412/KentState02.0.jpg)
Since 2007, the Akron Zips and Kent State Golden Flashes put their differences aside for the children of Akron Children's Hospital. The rivals open up their weekend series with a game at Canal Park in Akron with all proceeds going to Akron Children's Hospital.
Canal Park, which is home to Cleveland Indians' AA affiliate Akron Rubber Ducks, sits just outside of Akron's campus. Overlooking the left field corner of Canal Park is Akron Children's Hospital. Tickets are five dollars, and children under six get in free.
Earlier this week, players from each team met up at Akron Children's to visit with kids that were being taken care of.
The Diamond Classic was rained out in 2014. So, that means 2013 was the last time the game was played. The game lasted 17 innings, with Kent State snapping a 14 inning scoring drought in the top of the 17th. The Golden Flashes won that game 5-4.
Kent State has already clinched a spot in the upcoming MAC Baseball Tournament in Avon, Ohio. Akron, on the other hand, still has yet to clinch one of the top eight spots.
Here's how the seeding looks through Sunday:
If the @MACSports Baseball Tournament started today. CMU, KSU, Ohio & UT have already clinched spots. #MACtion pic.twitter.com/uD8NNcyLyN
— Jeremy Guy (@JGuyMAC) May 11, 2015
Akron will have to win at least one game in the series and get some help from other teams in order to clinch a spot in the top eight.
The probable starters for Thursday's game are as follows:
Kent State: Nick Jensen-Clagg (7-4), 80.0 IP, 68 H, 36 R, 28 ER, 34 BB, 95 K
Akron: John Valek III (6-5), 87.2 IP, 70 H, 35 R, 29 ER, 24 BB, 52 K
The game is set for Thursday May 14, at 6:30 P.M. and it can be streamed for FREE via GoZips.com
Other previews of the game can be found at GoZips.com and KentStateSports.com
Oh yeah, and there's another promotion you can take advantage of if you're 21.
Not only is Thursday's game against @KentStBaseball supporting a great cause, it's also $1 BEER NIGHT! pic.twitter.com/u6G1T8pBjf
— Akron Zips Baseball (@ZipsBB) May 12, 2015
Well, it should be a fun night at the ball park. If you're in the area and don't have plans, head on over to Canal Park and enjoy a fun night of MAC baseball!