Kent State University
18-6
Youngstown State
10-13
Softball Sweeps Midweek Series at Youngstown State
3/25/2015 9:49:00 PM | Softball
YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio – Kent State extended its winning streak to seven by going on the road to sweep Youngstown State on Wednesday afternoon. The Golden Flashes took the first game, 3-1, and won the nightcap, 5-1, to complete the midweek sweep.
"I was happy that we had the opportunity to play a lot of people and come away with a sweep," said head coach Karen Linder. "Pitching and defense keeps us in every game and we keep having different people come through for us offensively."
After leading for the entire game in the opener, Kent State (19-6) needed a big fifth inning to rally for victory in the second game. Seven different Flashes collected at least one base hit during the two games and five of the team's 10 hits went for extra bases.
Emma Johnson and Ronnie Ladines continued to throw at a high level and allowed just one earned run each in complete game efforts for the Golden Flashes.
Game 1: Kent State 3, Youngstown State 1
Shelbi Tilton gave Kent State a 2-0 lead with a two-out home run in the top of the first inning.
Youngstown State got on the scoreboard in the bottom of the second to make it a one-run game. A walk, single and wild pitch placed two runners into scoring position. A single to the left field brought one runner home but the second runner was held at third. Emma Johnson then struck out the next batter looking to preserve the lead.
The Flashes added a run in the top of the sixth when Kim Kirkpatrick scored on a single by Janel Hayes.
Johnson (9-3) had 13 strikeouts in the win. She walked just two batters and allowed seven hits.
Game 2: Kent State 5, Youngstown State 1
Youngstown State scored first in the nightcap, pushing a run across the plate in the bottom of the second inning.
A leadoff single by Ariele Patterson started a Kent State rally in the top of the third. A strike-three wild pitch and fielding error loaded the bases with no outs. Arika Roush followed with a clutch double to center field that scored two runs. After a walk loaded the bases once again, a fielder's choice allowed the Penguins to cut down the runner going home from third. Holly Speers added a two-run double to center field of her own to give the Flashes a 4-1 lead. Emily Dobbin then scored on a double-steal for the final run of the inning.
Ronnie Ladines (6-3) recorded four strikeouts in the victory. Ladines allowed seven hits and four walks.
Kent State opens Mid-American Conference play with a doubleheader against Buffalo on Sunday at the Diamond at Dix. First pitch is scheduled for noon.
Team Stats
Pitching:
W: Johnson, Emma (9-3)
L: Minney (3-5)
Batting:
2B: Ramos, Dani 1
HR: Tilton, Shelbi 1
RBI: Tilton, Shelbi 2 ; Hayes, Janel 1
SH: Warren, Erika 1
Base Running:
RUNS: Ramos, Dani 1 ; Tilton, Shelbi 1 ; Kirkpatrick, Kim 1
Batting:
RBI: Dowd 1
Base Running:
RUNS: Smallcomb 1
SB: Castiglione 1
