Baseball Sweeps Third-Straight Series in Rain-Shortened Win

Sunday, March 13

Radford, VA

12:00 PM

Kent State University

10-3

Radford University

2-14

Kent State

Radford

Baseball Sweeps Third-Straight Series in Rain-Shortened Win

3/13/2016 2:53:00 PM | Baseball

Box Score

RADFORD, Va. – With the rain steadily falling on Sunday, Kent State (10-3) completed its third-straight series sweep with an 8-3, five-inning victory at Radford (2-14).

"Today, we got a solid start from Eli Kraus," said Head Coach Jeff Duncan. "He was very tough and resilient as he has had a stomach illness the last 24 hours but gutted through it. He kept their hitters off balance with a three-pitch mix. The offense was terrific with quality at bats all up and down the lineup. Dylan Rosa and Alex Miklos had big days today driving in seven runs combined, and that is always good to see your middle of the order be that productive. Defensively, we were much better today as that was a goal for us today as it is everyday."

It took no time at all for the Flashes to jump out in front. Mason Mamrella led off the game with a walk and was sacrificed over by Luke Burch. Miklos then slammed a ball over the wall in left center for an early 2-0 lead.

The Highlanders loaded the bases in the first two innings, but starter Kraus worked his way out of both jams, with a strikeout in the 1^st frame and a double-play ground ball in the 2^nd.

Another run came in for Kent State in the 3^rd when Sam Hurt put down a bunt single and made his way to third on a throwing error. He scored easily when Mamarella hit a sacrifice fly during the next at-bat.

It became a 4-0 lead in the 4^th as Rosa hit a solo shot to left field, his second long ball of the weekend. The most damage was done in a four-run 5^th. Pete Schuler led off with a double and Mamarella singled to put runners on the corners. Miklos singled a runner in. After Zarley Zalewski walked to load the bases, Rosa cleared them with a double that hit off the top of the wall in right center field.

Radford was able to break through for three runs in the bottom of the 5^th, but would come no nearer. As the rain started to fall harder, the game was called after it was official with five full innings.

Kraus earned himself the win as he went the full 5.0 with seven hits, three runs, three walks and two strikeouts. Offensively, Miklos and Rosa both finished with two hits each. Miklos scored twice and had three RBI while Rosa led with four RBI.

The Golden Flashes will host their home opener this Wednesday in a 6 p.m. game versus Pittsburgh.