Kent State University
22-12, 0
University of Toledo
13-24, 0
Prime Pitching Leads to Marathon 1-0 Win in Fifteen Frames
4/21/2017 11:08:00 PM | Baseball
KENT, Ohio – In fifteen innings, not one earned run was scored as pitching from both Kent State (22-12, 8-2) and Toledo (13-24, 7-6) was phenomenal. The Flashes were able to finally break through a scoreless deadlock on two walks and a fielding error to win the game 1-0 on Friday night.
Both starting pitchers went a complete 9.0 shutout innings as Eli Kraus lasted the longest of his career while giving up seven hits and one walk while striking out eight. Patrick Dayton followed with 2.0 innings giving up two hits but striking out two. Zach Spangler followed and went 2.1 frames with two hits, one walk and one strikeout. Entering the game with one out and two runners on, Robert Zeigler induced a double play to end the threat. He then struck out two, walked two, then struck out the final batter in the top of the 15th to be in line for the win.
Kent State was outhit 11-5 in the contest, but an impressive defensive effort kept them in the game. Mason Mamarella tracked down and leaped to grab a well-hit fly ball to save an extra base hit in the 9th. In the 11th, Nick Kanavas chased a ball down toward the left field line, dove fully extended and made a Sportscenter-worth catch to keep off another base runner. With two on in the 12th, Spangler connected with shortstop John Matthews to pick off the lead runner at second base for another important out.
In the deciding inning, Mamarella was walked on four pitches and stole second base. Dylan Rosa was then intentionally walked with one out. Tim DalPorto put the ball in play to the shortstop that was misplayed, allowing Mamarella to score the game-winning tally.
The Flashes' pitching staff struck out a total of 14 while walking just four, while the Rockets struck out 11, walked eight and committed four errors on the night.
The two teams will be back in action on Saturday in a 4 p.m. game.
Team Stats
Pitching:
W: Zeigler, Robert (1-0)
L: CALES, Josh (1-2)
Batting:
SH: BOSS, Brad 1 ; HANSEN, Matt 1
Base Running:
SB: BOSS, Brad 1 ; MONTOYA, AJ 1
HBP: CALES, Josh 1
PO: CALES, Josh 1
Batting:
2B: Rosa, Dylan 1
Base Running:
RUNS: Mamarella, Mason 1
SB: Mamarella, Mason 1 ; Hollander, Josh 1 ; Matthews, John 1
CS: Mamarella, Mason 1
HBP: Mamarella, Mason 1
