Flashes Shutout by Bulls in Series Opener

Friday, April 18

Kent, Ohio

6:00 PM

Kent State University

23-13, 9-4

University at Buffalo

17-12, 8-4

Buffalo

Kent State

Photo by: David Dermer

4/18/2014 9:44:00 PM | Baseball

Box Score

KENT, Ohio – The Kent State bats could muster no more than two hits against Buffalo starter Kevin Hughes on Friday night, leading to a 6-0 loss against the Mid-American Conference East Division foe.

The Golden Flashes remain tied with Akron atop the East with a 9-4 conference record and a half game behind Ball State overall. Central Michigan still leads the MAC with a two game advantage.

Kent State's two hits came by way of a Sawyer Polen double in the 3^rd and a Justin Wagler single in the 4^th.

"We hit some balls hard," said Head Coach Jeff Duncan. "We hit 12 balls hard right at some guys and really couldn't get anything going offensively."

On the mound, the Flashes gave away too many free bases on the night to aid the Bulls. Five out of six of Buffalo's runners who scored had reached in the inning on a walk.

Eric Lauer had his shortest appearance as a starter, lasting just 3.2 innings after five hits, three runs, four walks and three strikeouts. Dan Kopcak had the best night on the mound, throwing three innings with no hits, one walk and four strikeouts.

"Eric Lauer didn't have his best stuff but he's human," Duncan said of his young lefty. "He's going to learn from that and get better and better."

Defensively, left fielder Jon Wilson had two outfield assists, throwing out a runner at home and another at second trying to extend a single into a double. He also made a brilliant catch in foul territory to highlight an errorless game for the Flashes.

Hughes pitched a complete game shutout for Buffalo with two hits, three walks and three strikeouts.

"That guy pitched an unbelievable game," said Duncan. "He pitched really well. Lights out. You have to tip your cap to him."

Kent State has a chance to redeem itself on Saturday, same time, same place – 6:00pm at Schoonover Stadium. Fans can listen live on Golden Flashes iHeart Radio or follow along on Twitter @KentStBaseball.

"I told the guys tomorrow is another opportunity and that's the beautiful thing about baseball," Duncan said. "You have a chance to go ahead and even the series up tomorrow."