Kent State University
Central Michigan University
Flashes Rally Past Chippewas, 6-4
4/18/2021 4:38:00 PM | Baseball
MOUNT PLEASANT, MI- Jack Kartsonas pitched five strong innings and Jack Zimmerman closed things out on Sunday as Kent State took the finale of the four-game set from the Chippewas, 6-4.
For the fourth time in the series, Central Michigan scored in the first. A pair of singles and an error loaded the bases for the Chippewas. Kartsonas was able to limit the damage, allowing a sacrifice fly and the third single of the inning as Central led 2-0 after the first. Kartsonas settled in nicely after the first, allowing just one more hit in his five innings of work.
Kent State was able to tie things up in the fourth. Ben Carew led off with a double and Michael McNamara brought Carew home with a two-bagger of his own. The freshman went to third on a wild pitch and came into score on a Kevin Dobos ground out. It didn't stay tied for long as the Flashes got back to work again in the fifth. The Flashes were able to load the bases with one out and Carew brought in the go-ahead run on a hard-hit fielder's choice. Cam Touchette followed with a run-scoring single to give Kent State a 4-2 lead.
It stayed 4-2 until the seventh when the Chippewas were able to load the bases with no outs off Max Rippl. Jack Zimmerman came in and limited the Central Michigan offense. The Chippewas scored on a wild pitch and a ground out, but Zimmerman retired all three batters he faced in the inning. Kent State took the lead for good in the eighth. This time it was the Flashes turn to load the bases with nobody out, doing so on an error, single and walk. Kevin Dobos and Kyle Jackson each worked walks to bring in the go-ahead run and some insurance.
That was enough for Jack Zimmerman. The reliever closed out the game throwing three shutout innings. The lefty limited the Chippewas to a hit and a walk while striking out four, including three in the ninth.
The win moves Kent State to 14-17 on the season and 7-9 in MAC play. Central falls to 20-11 overall and 12-4 against the MAC. The Golden Flashes hit the road again next weekend, heading to Oxford to meet the Miami (OH) Redhawks. First pitch on Friday night is set for 5 p.m.
