Flashes Pegged to Win MAC Tournament
2/12/2020 2:48:00 PM | Baseball
KENT, OHIO- Kent State is the consensus favorite to win the Mid-American Conference tournament and were pegged second in the pre-season poll as voted on by the conference coaches.
Kent State earned a pair of first-place votes for the regular season crown, placing them second in the pre-season poll. The Flashes grabbed six of 11 votes to win the conference championship.
"It's always great to see yourself near the top of the conference and have the respect of your fellow teams and coaches," head coach Jeff Duncan said. "Ultimately though, we are focused on our play on the field and the tough task we have ahead of us this weekend and this season."
The Flashes return the bulk of a 30-24, 17-8 squad, led by All-Americans Ben Carew (.406, 24 SB) and Justin Kirby (.313,9HR). Michael Turner (.362, 42 RBI) and Cam Touchette (.345, 19SB) also return to give the lineup significant depth. On the mound, the Flashes will see rising sophomore Luke Albright (4-1, 2.81) make the move to full-time starter
Reigning conference champion Central Michigan earned the top spot in the split coaches' poll, earning three first-place votes and 109 points in total. The Chips return several starters to their lineup from 2019 including Zavier Warren (.369, 8HR) and Zach Giles (.350, 20 SB). Ball State was picked third, one point behind the Flashes and grabbed three first-place votes. The Cardinals return a trio of right-handed starters. Miami, NIU and Ohio were also picked to make the conference tourney. Miami and NIU received two and one first-place votes, respectfully.
Kent State opens the 2020 season at the Snowbird Classic in Port Charlotte, Florida. The Flashes will take on the Iowa Hawkeyes on Friday afternoon with a 4 p.m. scheduled first pitch.
1. Central Michigan (3) – 109 points
2. Kent State (2) – 106 points
3. Ball State (3) -- 105 points
4. Miami (2) – 93 points
5. Northern Illinois (1) – 68 points
6. Ohio – 67 points
7. Western Michigan – 57 points
8. Eastern Michigan – 38 points
9. Toledo – 33 points
10. Bowling Green – 30 points
11. Akron – 20 points
Tournament Champion: Kent State (6), Miami (2), Ball State (1), Central Michigan (1), Northern Illinois (1)
