Speers Clubs Late Gland Slam, but Flashes Edged by Pitt 6-4

Wednesday, April 18

Kent, Ohio

4:00 P.M.

Kent State University

20-19

Pitt

23-16-1

Pitt

Kent State

Photo by: David Dermer

Speers Clubs Late Gland Slam, but Flashes Edged by Pitt 6-4

4/18/2018 6:55:00 PM | Softball

Box Score

KENT, Ohio – Holly Speers clubbed a grand slam home run in the sixth inning, but Kent State's comeback attempt against Pitt came up short on Wednesday evening at the Diamond at Dix. Pinch hitter Allie Luther came up as the tying run in the seventh with two outs, but hit a deep fly ball to left that was caught on the warning track to end the game.

"We had good outings from Kristyn Eckl and Brenna Brownfield. Kudos to Jade Williams for stepping up and filling in behind the plate," said Kent State head coach Eric Oakley. "I'm proud of the team for rallying late and we had a big hit from Holly and a tremendous catch by Sydeny. We let a few of the "givens" get away from us. but otherwise a solid day."

The Panthers got on the scoreboard first with single tallies in the first and third frames. Pitt scored the opening run on a wild pitch and scored on an error in the third.

Pitt connected for a big inning in the fourth plating four runs. McKayla Taylor hit a three-run dinger to left to widen the lead to, 5-0. Sydney Anderson made a highlight reel catch in center diving to make a grab and taking away an extra base hit. The fourth run of the inning crossed the plate via an error as the Panthers went up, 6-0.

Kent State responded by loading the bases in the sixth on walks to Sydney Anderson, Jen Cader and Jade Williams. Speers came off the bench to hit a towering grand slam home run to left, her 11th of the season, to bring the Flashes within two.

Hunter Brancifort led off the bottom of the seventh with a walk and advanced to second base on a ground out. Luther tried to tie to game with one swing, but the ball died deep in left to conclude the game.

Kristyn Eckl (0-2) started for Kent State and pieced together the longest outing of her career, throwing 3.1 innings scattering four hits and three walks while allowing four earned runs. Brenna Brownfield tossed 3.2 innings in relief and did not allow an earned run on four hits and one walk.

Kayla Harris got the win for the Panthers and did not allow a run in 5.2 innings.

Hunter Brancifort was the only player to reach base three times for KSU with a double, a hit by pitch and a walk. Jade Williams made her first career appearance catching.

Kent State hosts Buffalo for a three-game conference series this weekend at the Diamond at Dix. The first game begins on Friday, April 20 at 3 p.m.