Zips Prevail in Diamond Classic For Kids
4/24/2007 12:00:00 AM | Baseball
Akron, Ohio
- Despite out-hitting its local rival and playing error-free ball in the field, Kent State fell to Akron 3-1 in"The Diamond Classic For Kids" Tuesday night (April 24) at Canal Park. Although temporary bragging rights were on the line, helping children in need was the main focus of Tuesday night's event.
All gate proceeds went towards Akron Children's Hospital, located just beyond left field in downtown Akron. Many other donations were made to the hospital in conjunction with the event.
The Zips scored runs in the second, third and sixth innings, while the Flashes' lone run came in the top of the first.
Doug Sanders led off the game with a walk and moved to second on a single to left by Brad Winter.Sanders then stole third and scored on sacrifice fly off the bat of Anthony Gallas.
The Golden Flashes went on to record seven hits, but struck out nine times, including five to end an inning.
Akron tied the game (1-1) in the second after Scott Gunn smacked the second single of the inning for the Zips with two outs on the board. KSU starter Alan Morrison then loaded the bases with back-to-back walks, but forced leadoff man Phil Bednar to ground out.
The Zips (18-13) took advantage of another Morrison walk in the third and scored on a double down the left line by center fielder Charlie Lenhard.
Morrison buckled down and retired six straight batters in the fourth and fifth innings, but Akron added another run in the sixth with Steven Davis on the mound. Lenhard doubled to lead off the inning and scored on a single by Gunn.
Six different pitchers took the mound for Akron and combined for just one walk. Freshman starter Zach Yike (2-1) claimed the win after throwing four effective innings. The Zips made two errors in the field, but Kent State could not take advantage, leaving nine runners on base.
Jason Patton and Winter each went 2-for-4 for the Flashes. Winter reached base three times after taking advantage of a throwing error.
Morrison (1-2) took the loss despite giving up just two runs in five innings. Jon Pokorny pitched a scoreless eighth inning and Steven Davis fanned two in two full innings.
The non-conference game will be the first of four meetings between the two teams this season.
The Golden Flashes (17-23) head to Pittsburgh on Wednesday (April 25) for a rematch with Duquesne at 3 p.m. The Dukes blanked KSU 4-0 (March 20) in the Flashes' home opener.
