Bats Bounce Back in 10-2 Win at Buffalo

Saturday, May 2

Buffalo, NY

1:00 PM

Kent State University

25-19, 0

University at Buffalo

13-27, 0

Kent State

Buffalo

5/2/2015 4:23:00 PM | Baseball

Box Score

Box Score (pdf)

AMHERST, N.Y. – The Kent State offense reawakened on Saturday afternoon to score ten runs on 13 hits to help Eric Lauer earn the win after another strong performance on the mound. The Golden Flashes outscored Buffalo 10-2 to improve to 25-19 on the season and 12-8 in conference play.

After walking the leadoff batter, Lauer retired the next eleven Bulls' batters, not allowing a hit until the 4^th inning, when Buffalo scored a run on a triple and single.

The Golden Flashes added in some run support, starting in the 2^nd inning. Conner Simonetti led off that frame with a solo homerun. They added in two more in the 4^th with some Buffalo help. Jeff Revesz reached on a fielder's choice and Brad Hamilton followed with a double down the right-field line. Two wild pitches later in the inning allowed both to come home.

Another Kent State run came home in the 5^th when Sawyer Polen and Zarley Zalewski hit back-to-back base hits. Zalewski then stole second base, allowing Polen to come home with the throw to second sailed into the outfield.

Polen and Zalewski also teamed up for more runs later on. In the 7^th, Polen led off with a full-count walk before Zalewski blasted a shot out to left to take a 6-1 lead.

The same duo paired up again to start off a four-run 9^th. Polen singled, stole second and scored on a Zalewski single. Tommy Monnot then walked, Simonetti singled to score Zalewski and Simonetti stole second that allowed Monnot to steal home on the throw. Reilly Hawkins finished the rally with a single to center to score Simonetti.

Lauer finished the day after six innings with five hits, one run, one walk and nine strikeouts to earn the win. Zach Willeman pitched the final three innings of the game, allowing two hits, one unearned run, one walk and three strikeouts, including a strikeout swinging to end the game to get the save.

Zalewski had a big 3-for-5 day with three RBI to help lead the team offensively. Polen, Simonetti and Hawkins all contributed with two hits as the Flashes totaled 13 on the day. They also stole six stolen bases.

The rubber match of the three game series at Buffalo is set for Sunday at 1 p.m.