Kent State University
Florida Gulf Coast University
Flashes Wrap Florida Trip At Gulf Coast
2/20/2020 4:08:00 PM | Baseball
FORT MYERS, FL- Kent State wraps up its swing through Florida this weekend with a three-game weekend series against the Florida Gulf Coast Eagles.
The Flashes (2-2) are coming off a loss to #1 Miami on Wednesday night while the Eagles (0-4) were swept at Tulane to open the season and dropped a Tuesday night game at Florida Atlantic. Friday night's game will start at 6:30 with a pair of afternoon affairs at two on Saturday and one on Sunday to follow.
ABOUT THE GOLDEN FLASHES
CAREW-ZIN
Redshirt junior Ben Carew has picked up where he left off last season, hitting safely in all four games this year. Dating back to last year, Carew has hit safely in 23 of his last 24 games. Carew hit .406 in 2019 and is off to a .462 clip (6-13) so far this season. He's shown off his versatility this season seeing time at second base and in the outfield.
OFF TO A VERA NICE START
Sophomore shortstop Grant Vera has also hit safely in all four games this season, including a pair of base hits against #1 Miami on Wednesday. Vera has gone 5-12 so far this season and has already matched his hit total from his 2019 freshman season.
RETURN OF THE MACK
Freshman Mack Timbrook has shown off speed and versatility in his first week of college baseball. The Kent, Ohio native has seen time and second and third, leads the team with three steals and is tied for the team lead with four runs scored.
ABOUT GULF COAST
The Eagles open their 2020 home season this weekend, still looking for their first win. Their offense has sputtered to start the season, scoring just 12 runs this season and no more than four in any single game.
The Eagles' offense is led by Alex Brait in the early stages of the season. The senior has a team best five hits including a 3-5 night against FAU. Freshman Kyle Machado leads the team with a .300 average and has served as the team's primary designated hitter.
PROBABLE PITCHING MATCHUPS
Friday: Kent State: Luke Albright vs Mason Studstill: Gulf Coast
Notables: Both pitchers looking for their first win of the season. Albright allowed two runs on three hits and struck out five vs Iowa in the season opener. The senior right-hander Studstill went four-and-a third innings against Tulane allowing two runs and three hits while striking out eight.
Saturday: Kent State: Collin Romel vs Gus Carter: Gulf Coast
Notables: Romel went four innings and allowed three hits and three runs against Indiana State in his first action since 2018. The lefty missed the entire 2019 season due to injury. Carter has made three appearances, all in relief so far this season. The junior left hander has allowed two runs, one earned and struck out four in three and two-third innings.
Sunday: Kent State: Ryan Lane vs Ronaldo Gallo: Gulf Coast
Notables: Lane also made his first appearance since 2018 last weekend, going five innings and allowing three runs in the victory over Saint Joseph's. The righty scattered seven hits and struck out four. Gallo threw three and a third innings against Tulane, allowing four runs on just two hits, walking three and striking out five. The freshman surrendered a three-run homer against Tulane on Sunday, chasing him from the game.
FOLLOW ALONG
Florida Gulf Coast will stream all three games on their athletics You Tube channel. The Eagles will also have live stats for all three games. You can also follow along @KentStBaseball on Twitter for updates as well.
LOOKING AHEAD
Kent State will head to Rock Hill, South Carolina next weekend for three afternoon games against the Winthrop Eagles. First pitch on Friday is set for 4 p.m.
