Toledo Edges Flashes in Series Opener

Friday, March 31

Kent, Ohio

5:00 PM

Kent State University

16-9, 0

Toledo

13-11, 0

Toledo Rockets

Kent State Baseball

3/31/2023 8:17:00 PM | Baseball

Box Score

KENT- The Golden Flashes erased a five-run deficit on Friday but a late Toledo run proved to be the difference in a 7-6 setback on Friday night at Schoonover Stadium.

The Rockets scored two in the first, two more in the third and one in the top of the fourth to take a 5-0 lead against spot starter Peyton Cariaco. Kent State battled back with three in the bottom of the fourth, two on a single from Kolton Schaller, one of three hits for the freshman on Friday.

Kent State tied it with three more in the bottom of the fifth. The big blow of the inning came on Brody Williams' two-run double down the left field line. All six of the runs were charged to Toledo starter Noah Johnson, who struck out eight but walked three and hit three batters on the night.

Toledo scratched across an unearned run in the seventh that proved to be the difference. A fielding error allowed Troy Sudbrook to score from third but Jeron Williams was cut down at the plate on a strong throw from Aidan Longwell to Justin Miknis to nab the speedy shortstop.

The Flashes battled but could not find the tying run on Friday night and saw their eight-game home winning streak to start the season come to an end. Kent State now sits at 16-9 on the season and 4-3 in the MAC while Toledo is 13-11 overall and 6-4 in conference play. Expected rain and high winds on Saturday will push the series to end with a Sunday doubleheader. First pitch in game one is set for 1 p.m. on Sunday.