Golden Flashes Fall to Miami in MAC Opener

Friday, March 28

Akron, OH

1:00 p.m.

Kent State University

14-13, 0-1

Miami University (OH)

12-15, 1-0

Miami

Kent State

Abbey Ledford hit 3 doubles on Friday

Photo by: David Dermer

Golden Flashes Fall to Miami in MAC Opener

3/28/2014 9:48:00 PM | Softball

Box Score 1 Box Score 2

Photo Gallery

AKRON, Ohio – Early deficits were too much to overcome as Kent State dropped both games of a doubleheader against Miami to begin Mid-American Conference play on Friday at Lee R. Jackson Field on the campus of the University of Akron. After falling 9-2 in Game 1, the Golden Flashes fought back to force extra innings in Game 2 before suffering a 4-3 loss in nine innings.

Game 1
Following an hour-long rain delay, the Flashes started the game with a series of miscues. After the first batter of the game reached on a throwing error and advanced on a sac bunt, starter Emma Johnson walked the next RedHawk batter. Both runners then moved into scoring position following a passed ball. Johnson then recorded her first strikeout of the game, but Miami's Allie Larrabee made it 2-0 with a double to left center.

In the second inning, a single, walk and passed ball gave Miami runners on second and third with two outs. Kristy Arbour singled to short to bring one run home. Kayla Ledbetter then reached on an error by the shortstop and a throw to the plate was off the mark to allow Taylor Shuey to score after being sent home rounding third on her way from second.

Kent State scored both of its runs in the third. Junior Kim Kirkpatrick got things started with a double down the right field line. Junior Dani Ramos then reached on a fielder's choice, as the RedHawks were unsuccessful in retiring Kirkpatrick at third. A rushed throw by Miami starter Paige Myers rushed a throw to first on a ball hit back to her by senior Kim Morgason, which allowed Kirkpatrick to score and Ramos and Morgason to move into scoring position. Senior Abbey Ledford followed with a groundout to the right side that brought Ramos home.

Miami responded with three runs in the fourth and two more in the seventh courtesy of a Shay Edwards home run for the game's final score.

Johnson (7-7) allowed just four earned runs in 3.2 innings for Kent State. She had three strikeouts. Senior Lauren McNeil threw the final 3.1 innings in relief and allowed two runs.

Game 2
A pair of singles and a passed ball allowed Miami to push a run across home plate in the first inning of Game 2. Sophomore Lauren Kesterson helped Kent State get the run back in the second. Kesterson reached after being hit by a pitch and advanced to second on a missed catch of a throw trying to retired her on a stolen base attempt. Junior Ariele Patterson then delivered a timely single up the middle to score Kesterson.

Trialing 3-1 entering the bottom of the sixth, Kent State evened the score with a pair of runs. Ramos and Kirkpatrick both reached on singles and scored on a double down the left field line by Kesterson.

The score remained tied until Miami scored on a sac fly in the top of the ninth. Freshman Ronnie Ladines maintained her composure after Miami loaded the bases without any outs and nearly escaped unscathed. After a crucial strikeout, Ladines got the next batter to fly out to center. Ramos made a nice throw to the plate, but Miami's Shuey just beat the tag applied by catcher Erika Warren to score the eventual winning run.

Kent State had it chance to tie the game in the bottom of the innings. Ledford led off with her third double of the day and Kesterson followed with a single up the middle. Ledford attempted to score on the play, but Miami's Tiyona Marshall made a terrific throw to retire Ledford at home.

Ladines (3-4) was resilient throughout her nine innings of work for the Flashes. On four occasions, she was able to get out of an inning with two Miami runners left on base. Ladines recorded eight strikeouts and walked just one batter in the loss.

On Deck for the Flashes
Kent State returns to action Sunday for a doubleheader against Ball State, which is scheduled for 1 p.m. at Lee R. Jackson Field. The Flashes were originally slated to host the Cardinals for single games on Saturday and Sunday, but forecasted rain showers caused the game to be pushed back a day.