Kent State University
18-24, 9-13
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Western Michigan
18-30, 8-14
Devine Diamond Dedication, Stellar Pitching Performances Highlight Saturday Softball Action
4/30/2022 7:33:00 PM | Softball
KENT, Ohio – The Kent State softball program celebrated upcoming renovations to its softball facility on Saturday afternoon while splitting a doubleheader with Western Michigan.
The Golden Flashes (18-25, 9-14 MAC) jumped out to a big lead in the opener and won 9-1 in five innings before falling in a 10-inning pitchers' duel, 2-0, in the nightcap. Redshirt senior Andrea Scali and sophomore Jessica LeBeau held the Broncos to only three runs and a .151 batting average on the day.
Between games, longtime Kent State Athletics ambassador and supporter Judy Devine was honored for her continued impact on women's athletics and gender equity at the University. Devine's generosity will allow facility upgrades to be made during the offseason, and the field will be renamed Devine Diamond in her honor.
"It was awesome to have such a great turnout today to join in celebrating the future of our program and the legacy of Judy Devine," said head coach Eric Oakley. "We are incredibly proud that our softball field will carry her name. Her leadership and generosity are appreciated, and we will honor her by carrying on her tradition of giving back."
Game 1: Kent State 9, Western Michigan 1 (5 innings)
The Golden Flashes plated eight runs on eight hits, including two each by Sabrina Kerschner and Brooklyn Whitt, in the first inning to take a commanding lead in the opener.
After the first three batters reached safely, Madyson Cole earned a walk to bring Kerschner home. Chloe Cruz followed two batters later with a double to center to make it 3-0. Julia Mazanec added a RBI single and then stole second to move into scoring position. Mazanec and Cruz both scored on a double by Madison Hershberger that made it 6-0. Kerschner send a shot back up the middle and off the pitcher to plate another run. Whitt and Emily Lippe followed with singles and Kerschner was able to score, making it 8-0.
Leading by seven, Cruz drew a walk to start the bottom of the fifth and was replaced at first by Dylan Robertson, who moved to second on a sac bunt by Mazanec. Following a fly out, Savannah Wing singled to center to bring Robertson across the plate for the winning run.
Andrea Scali (7-9) earned the complete game victory, striking out five and limiting the Broncos to one run on a solo homer in the fourth.
Game 2: Western Michigan 2, Kent State 0 (10 innings)
Jessica LeBeau was sensational in the circle for the second day in a row, finishing with 12 strikeouts and allowing just five hits. After not allowing an earned run in Friday's series opener, LeBeau (5-12) kept the Broncos off the scoreboard through 9.2 innings. With two outs in the top of the 10th, Western Michigan came through with a single and home run.
Kent State's best scoring chance came in the third inning. Alexandria Whitmore hit a double down the left field line and moved to third base on a sac bunt with two outs.
On Deck for the Flashes
Kent State will conclude the regular season with three-game at Buffalo on Tuesday and Wednesday before hosting Bowling Green for three games on Saturday and Sunday.
Team Stats
Pitching:
W: Scali, Andrea (7-9)
L: Rissa Bajusz (6-11)
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Batting:
HR: Courtney Farrish 1
RBI: Courtney Farrish 1
Base Running:
RUNS: Courtney Farrish 1
HBP: Alyssa Kramer 1
Batting:
2B: Kerschner, Sabrina 1 ; Cruz, Chloe 1 ; Hershberger, Madison 1
RBI: Kerschner, Sabrina 1 ; Cole, Madyson 1 ; Cruz, Chloe 2 ; Mazanec, Julia 1 ; Hershberger, Madison 2 ; Wing, Savannah 1
SH: Mazanec, Julia 1
Base Running:
RUNS: Kerschner, Sabrina 2 ; Whitt, Brooklyn 1 ; Crittendon, Jada 1 ; Cole, Madyson 1 ; Cruz, Chloe 1 ; Robertson, Dylan 1 ; Mazanec, Julia 1 ; Ramer, Jade 1
SB: Mazanec, Julia 1
