Softball Walks Off Against LIU in Season Opener

Friday, February 11

Fort Myers, Fla.

10:00 a.m.

Kent State University

1-0

LIU

0-2

LIU

Kent St.

Photo by: Brad Young

Softball Walks Off Against LIU in Season Opener

2/11/2022 9:39:00 PM | Softball

Box Score 1 Box Score 2 Box Score vs LIU Box Score vs #15/14 Clemson

FORT MYERS, Fla. – Redshirt junior Alexandria Whitmore delivered a walk-off single in the eighth inning to give Kent State a 5-4 win over LIU in the first game of opening day. The Golden Flashes then fell to No. 15/14 Clemson, 8-0, to finish 1-1 on Friday at the FGCU Kickoff Classic.

Sophomore Jessica LeBeau had a career day at the plate, batting 3-for-3 with a home run and two RBIs while reaching safely in all four plate appearances of the first game. Senior Brenna Brownfield also had a multi-hit day with doubles in her first two trips to the plate.

"We learned some things today," said head coach Eric Oakley. "There were some bright spots, like Jess's home run, Emily's throw outs, Savannah's first hit, and the walk-off win. And of course, just seeing Andrea and Brenna take the field today was worth the trip. We also found some things we need to work on, and that's what we will do. But overall, the energy was very good. We are happy to be playing again."

Game 1: Kent State 5, LIU 4 (8 innings)
An error allowed LIU to score twice in the top of the first inning. Kent State got on the board for the first time in the third, as Brooklyn Whitt singled and scored on a double down the third base line by Brenna Brownfield to get within 2-1.

The Golden Flashes collected three straight hits with two outs in the bottom of the fifth to take their first lead of the season. Chloe Cruz started the rally with her first career triple. Savannah Wing followed with a single to right field, recording her first collegiate RBI. Jessica LeBeau then blasted her first home run in a Kent State uniform to go ahead 4-2.

Starting pitcher Andrea Scali struck out the first two batters in the top of the sixth, but one hit, three walks, a wild pitch and an error gifted the Sharks two runs to tie it up.

Anilese Kelly (1-0) worked out of a bases loaded jam in the top of the seventh and then prevented LIU from scoring in the eighth with the international tiebreaker in effect.

Jess Dodd was placed on second base to start the bottom of the eighth, and LeBeau was then intentionally walked to setup a potential double play. Julia Mazanec executed a sac bunt to move the winning run to third. Emily Lippe was then walked on four pitches to load the bases for Alexandria Whitmore, who hit a bouncing single back at the pitcher that brought Dodd home for the walk-off victory.

Scali totaled eight strikeouts and did not allow an earned run on three hits over six innings. Kelly received the win, tossing two scoreless innings in relief. She had one strikeout and allowed two hits.

Game 2: #15/14 Clemson 8, Kent State 0 (5 innings)
A home run in the bottom of the first inning gave Clemson an early 3-0 lead.

Kent State drew a pair of walks in the top of the second to place a runner in scoring position but was unable to cut into the deficit.

The Tigers struck for three more runs in the third inning and led 6-0 after four. A single, double and pair of errors allowed Clemson to plate two more runs in the fifth and bring the game to a close.

Jessica LeBeau (0-1) went three innings in the circle for the Flashes, allowing six runs on five hits and striking out four. Anilese Kelly recorded a strikeout and allowed two runs on three hits over the final 1.1 innings.

Emily Lippe showcased her arm strength from behind the plate, throwing Clemson players out on three of four attempted stolen bases.

On Deck for the Flashes
Kent State will be back in action for two games on Saturday. First pitch against LIU is scheduled for 10 a.m. and the Flashes will finish the day against Boston College at 2:30 p.m.