Marnon shines in Ball State debut, Toledo defies baseball gods and plays to a tie

North Carolina State 7, Kent State (1-2) 5

Junior Andy Ravel put together a strong start in a fruitless effort for the Golden Flashes, taking a shutout into the sixth inning before allowing three straight hits, including a home run. Though Kent State rallied behind him, another 3-spot in the seventh gave the Wolfpack a lasting lead. Right fielder Luke Burch totaled three hits, a stolen base and a run scored for Kent State, while first baseman Zarley Zalewski smacked his first dinger of the season and drove in three. Kent State will face George Washington next in the RussMatt Invitational on Friday.

Ball State (1-3) 3, Utah Valley 1

Akron transfer Kevin Marnon impressed many in his Cardinals debut Sunday, allowing just one run on four hits in 6 2/3rd innings and striking out three to power his new team to its first win of 2016. Junior BJ Butler tossed 2 1/3 innings of scoreless relief for Ball State to get the save. The Cardinals scored their three runs on just four hits, with first baseman Caleb Stayton picking up their only RBI. Second baseman Ryan Spaulding went 1-for-2 with a pair of walks and a pair of runs scored. Ball State will head to the RussMatt invitational next weekend to take on Milwaukee on Friday.

UNC-Asheville 7, Ohio (2-1) 5

Senior Connor Sitz couldn't find the strike zone in his first start of the season, walking four and allowing four runs to score in just 1 1/3rd innings on the mound. Senior Jake Miller fanned seven across 3 2/3rd innings of relief, but allowed two more runs to score in the process. Ohio got solid offense from second baseman Ty Black and third baseman John Adryan, who each racked up three hits, an RBI and a run scored in the losing effort. Shortstop Tyler Finkler, meanwhile, posted a 2-for-4 showing. Adryan and Finkler each doubled twice, with Black adding another. Ohio's next challenge will be against UAB on Friday.

Kennesaw State 7, Western Michigan (0-3) 4

Western Michigan proved punchless again Sunday, getting a home run from Jesse Forestell (2-for-4) but providing little else in the way of offense. Sophomore Tanner Allison struggled through his first start of 2016, allowing six runs to score on eight hits in just four innings of work. Allison struck out six and walked four. Third baseman Grant Miller and center fielder Drew Farmer each tallied an RBI for the Broncos, whose will face Belmont next on Friday in the Mule Mix Classic.

Boston College 17, Northern Illinois (0-4) 0

The Huskies got annihilated in their last chance to salvage a win in their opening series, allowing 16 hits and 11 walks to Boston College Sunday afternoon. Junior Ryan Olson got the worst of it, lasting just two innings in his start and allowing six runs to score on six hits and two walks. Third baseman Carl Russell went 2-for-2 for the Huskies, while center fielder Justin Fletcher third baseman Tommy Hook doubled. Northern Illinois' next shot at its first win of 2016 will come against Murray State on Friday.

Toledo (0-3-1) 5, Ohio State also 5

This weird result was made possible by both teams agreeing not to begin an inning after 5:00p.m., due to a flight both teams had to catch, according to the Rockets' website. Sophomore Alex Wagner was terrific for Toledo, pitching 5 2/3rd scoreless frames after starter Kyle Slack was blown up for three runs in the first. Designated hitter Dan Zuchowski roped four hits for Toledo, all singles, while right fielder Ryan Callahan posted a 2-for-4 afternoon. Toledo will chase a second straight tie against Charlotte on Friday against Charlotte.

Arkansas 9, Central Michigan (0-3) 4

The Razorback completed a sweep of the Chippewas Sunday in a seven inning game, with freshman Pat Leatherman taking the loss despite a solid four innings of work. Leatherman allowed a single run on three hits and two walks, striking out none. Second baseman Jason Sullivan posted a 2-for-3 showing, with right fielder Daniel Robinson and catcher Robert Greenman each picking up RBI's. Central Michigan will take on Grand Canyon on Thursday.

Eastern Michigan (3-1) 8, Nebraska-Omaha 1

Rightfielder Jackson Martin led another big day at the plate for the Eagles, homering and driving in two to power their third win of the weekend. Each member of the lineup recorded exactly one hit for Eastern Michigan. Left fielder Mike Mioduszewski and third baseman Mitchell McGeein each drove in a pair of runs. Senior Austin Wilson put together a fine performance on the mound, tossing four shutout innings and allowing just three hits while striking out three. Sophomore Brent Mattson followed with two scoreless frames of his own. Eastern Michigan is back in action Tuesday against Florida.

Marist 8, Buffalo (0-3) 3

Designated hitter Mike Abrunzo double twice and totaled three hits in a futile Bulls effort Sunday, as they failed to capture their first win of the season. Sophomore Charlie Sobieraski settled in for five innings, but only after falling into a four-run hole in the first two innings. Sobieraski finished with seven hits and six strikeouts to go with his four runs allowed. Third baseman Chris Kwitzer continued his strong weekend with a 2-for-5 day that included a double and an RBI, while first baseman Ben Vey finished 1-for-2 with two walks and an RBI. Buffalo will hit the road for a three game series at Tennessee-Martin on Friday.

Miami (1-2) 5, Campbell 4

Left fielder Gary Russo smashed a 3-run homer to send Miami home with its first win of the season Sunday, avoiding the sweep at Campbell. Catcher Hayden Senger put together a 2-for-4 afternoon, while first baseman Ross Haffey went 1-for-3 with an RBI and a run scored. Freshman Zach Spears lived dangerously throughout his start, allowing just three runs despite surrendering ten hits and three walks to go with five strikeouts. Freshman Michael Hendricks got the win with 3 1/3rd innings of one-hit, one-run relief work. Miami will begin the Music City Classic on Friday against Lipscomb.