Flashes Settle for Split in Ohio Series

KENT, OHIO-  Kent State had to settle for a split of the four-game set against the Ohio Bobcats, falling 12-1 in Sunday’s finale. 

The Golden Flashes had an opportunity to score first on Sunday, stringing together a three-hit first inning. But Justin Kirby was cut down at the plate on a safety squeeze off the bat of Collin Mathews. Ohio starter Edward Kutt IV settled in and allowed only one earned run over eight innings. 

Ohio took the lead in the second inning on a sacrifice fly and piled on in the middle innings. The Bobcats broke it open with a three-run third and added on with two in the sixth and seventh and three more in the ninth. Richie Dell threw well but took the loss. In five innings, he allowed five hits and five runs but only two were earned.

Eric Wentz finished off a fine weekend, going 3-4 on Sunday and hit .538 (7-13) over the four-game series. Cam Touchette added two hits and raised his average to .357. 

The loss drops Kent State to 19-20 and 12-12 in the MAC. Ohio improved to 22-15 and 13-11 in conference play. The Golden Flashes stay at home next weekend for a Crystal Clinic Wagon Wheel series against the Akron Zips. First pitch on Friday is set for 5 p.m.