9th Inning Comeback Hands Baseball Sweep at Belmont

Sunday, February 19

Nashville, TN

2:00 PM

Kent State University

3-0

Belmont University

0-3

Kent State

Belmont

Photo by: David Dermer

9th Inning Comeback Hands Baseball Sweep at Belmont

2/19/2017 6:36:00 PM | Baseball

Box Score

NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Three big extra-base hits in the 9^th inning erased a two-run deficit and allowed Kent State (3-0) to start the season with a series sweep as they beat Belmont (0-3) 5-4 on Sunday afternoon.

"Overall, anytime you go on the road and sweep, it's a great weekend," said Head Coach Jeff Duncan. "We pitched very well all weekend, especially from Kraus and Willeman. Skolnicki, Spangler, Wollersheim and Martin looked great out of the pen. Offensively, I thought we had great at-bats and big performances. I felt we won in all facets of the game."

On Sunday, the Bruins struck first for their first runs of the weekend in the 3^rd inning. A walk, double, stolen base and sacrifice fly put the home team up 2-0.

The Flashes got one back in the 6^th on a solo shot by Dylan Rosa. However, Belmont tacked one back on in the 6^th, thanks to a hit batter and an error for an unearned run.

In the deciding 9^th inning, Brad Hamilton struck out but reached on a wild pitch. Nick Kanavas took his place on the bases and scored when Pete Schuler tripled to center field to start the rally. Tim DalPorto and Josh Hollander followed with back-to-back doubles to tie the game and then put the Flashes ahead. Later on, Mason Mamarella earned a RBI and made it a 5-3 game when he singled in Hollander.

"To win like we did today is great to see this early, and really anytime during the season," added Duncan. "To come back like we did, stay resilient and find a way is special. Belmont is a very good baseball team. They won 33 games last year with the same crew. I'm proud of how we played."

Belmont was able to threaten and get one run in the bottom of the inning, but Zach Spangler got away with his second save of the young season.

Murray went 4.0 innings in the start with four hits, two runs, two walks and three strikeouts. Jared Skolnicki got back in action, throwing 2.2 frames with one hit and three strikeouts. Patrick Dayton followed with an inning of work before Chris Martin came in to get an out and earn the win.

Schuler had a successful day at the plate with three hits in four at-bats. Mamarella added in two hits on the day with a stolen base.

The Golden Flashes will travel to Florida International next weekend for a four-game series and what Duncan said, "will be a great challenge again for us on the road." More information on the series will be coming later this week at kentstatesports.com.