Flashes Falter in 14-2 Loss at San Diego
2/24/2013 12:00:00 AM | Baseball
San Diego, Calif. – Kent State (1-7) hoped to take some winning momentum into Sunday's (Feb. 24) game, but the Flashes couldn't get into groove, losing in the final game against San Diego (3-4) 14-2.
"It's very disappointing how we competed today," said head coach Scott Stricklin. "For us to lose a game 14 to two is unacceptable. Our coaching staff doesn't feel very good about where we are right now. We've got to get better as a team, and it needs to start now."
The Flashes had the bases loaded in the first three innings, but were only able to muster run one in that span, stranding nine. Evan Campbell had a RBI single in the second and fourth innings to plate Kent State's only runs.
"That just can't happen.," Stricklin said. "We did it three innings in a row. If you leave nine runners on base in the first three innings, you're not going to beat anybody."
San Diego posted eight runs in the second inning on seven hits, a wild pitch, a walk and a hit batter. They added three more in the sixth and one in the seventh to seal the victory.
Kent State struggled at the plate and on the mound in the game. They left 11 runners on base and only one player had a multi-hit game. Five pitchers appeared in the game, with none surviving more than 2.2 innings.
Campbell went 3-for-5 in the game with two RBI. Derek Toadvine had the only extra-base hit for the Flashes, picking up a triple.
Michael Clark got the loss as the starter, lasting 1.2 innings while allowing seven runs, five hits, two walks and two wild pitches. Eli Martin threw two innings with one earned run and a strikeout. He also had two errors. Eric Dorsch closed out the final inning not giving up a hit or a run.
"Overall, our bullpen has been very poor and it's been extremely disappointing," said Stricklin. "That's probably the most disappointed group of players we have right now is our bullpen. Guys have not stepped up, they've not pitched to their capability."
The early-season schedule remains tough for the Flashes, as they head to a top ten-ranked Louisville for three games beginning on Friday (Mar. 1).Â
