Flashes Trump Aces in Nightcap

Saturday, March 10

Murray, Ky.

9:00 A.M.

Kent State University

9-7

UIC

8-4

Kent State

Ill.-Chicago

Photo by: Sue Eckl

3/10/2018 8:40:00 PM | Softball

Box Score 1 Box Score 2

MURRAY, K.Y. – Emily Dobbin's big day at the plate led the Golden Flashes to a 6-3 victory over Evansville in the second game of the day at the Racer Classic. Kent State (10-7) earned a split on the day beating Evansville in the nightcap, and falling to UIC in the first game, 2-1.

Dobbin paved the way for a comeback win against Evansville and tied the game with an RBI double as part of a 5-for-9 four RBI day at the plate.

"We bounced back well in the second game comeback to win it after dropping the first game. Credit to the team for scoring runs against Evansville after trailing in the middle of the game," said Kent State head coach Eric Oakley. "Emily Dobbin had a big day for us and Madi Huck and Brenna Brownfield pitched well."

Game 1: UIC 2, Kent State 1

Both teams struggled to score through the first four innings, as each had baserunners but could not move them.

The Flashes started their push in the top of the fifth on a Hunter Brancifort walk and a Kaitlyn Miller single. Dobbin came through with two outs and singled up the middle to put Kent State up, 1-0.

A one out UIC walk proved to be costly as the very next batter, Alyssa Griman, cranked a two-run home run to left center to put the flames up 2-1.

Kent State tried to rally in the sixth but came up empty as both Maria Cegledy and Alexis Taube singled and were left on base.

UIC scored two runs on just three hits, while Kent State had six hits, but struggled with runners on, leaving seven.

Flames pitcher Karissa Frazier (4-1) got the win throwing six frames walking one and striking out five. Despite throwing all seven innings and allowing only three hits and two runs, Madi Huck was tagged with the loss. She walked one and struck out four.

Dobbin led the Kent State bats with a 2-for-4 game and an RBI.

Holly Speers 14-game hitting streak was snapped in an 0-for-3 day.

Game 2: Kent State 6, Evansville

Kent State started out fast against the Purple Aces scoring two in the first inning. Kennadie Goth scored on a wild pitch and Speers delivered an RBI single.

Evansville's offense came alive in the fifth inning. After two runners reached base, All-Missouri Valley Conference Second Team member Morgan Florey cracked a three-run homer to give Evansville the lead.

Dobbin's big day continued with a clutch RBI double to tie the game in the fifth inning. Speers kept the offense rolling, depositing an RBI single down the left field line to score Dobbin and make Kent State's lead 4-3. Dobbin answered the call for more insurance in the sixth, hitting a two RBI double to give Kent State a 6-3 edge.

Madi Huck (7-2) got the win in relief duty, throwing 2.2 frames and allowing one run and three hits while striking out six. Brenna Brownfield started and threw 4.1 innings allowing two runs and five hits.

Dobbin finished the game 3-for-4 with a double and three RBIs.

Speers was 2-for-3 with two RBIs.

Kennadie Goth was a spark at the top of the order, scoring two runs as part of a 2-for-2 day.

Up Next

Kent State closes out the Racer Classic tomorrow, March 11, with a doubleheader battling Oakland at 11:30 a.m. and host Murray State at 2 p.m.