Kent State University
Pitt
Flashes Open Four-Game Home Stand with Pitt on Tuesday Night
4/10/2023 3:57:00 PM | Baseball
KENT- The Golden Flashes start a four-game home stand on Tuesday night, welcoming in the Pitt Panthers for a 6 p.m. first pitch.
The Flashes will look to avenge a 8-3 loss to the Panthers at Charles Cost Field back on March 22nd. Kent State out hit Pitt 10-5 in the game, but three homers for the Panthers proved to be the difference in the contest.
Kent State is coming off a 3-1 week last week, including a sweep of conference rival, Bowling Green. The Flashes' pitching was on-point against the Falcons, allowing only three runs over the course of the three-game series. As a result, the team's earned run average dropped to 4.02, tops in the MAC and 25th in the NCAA.
The staff will be tasked with slowing down a Pitt offense that is hitting .265 as a team and averaging 7.5 runs per game heading into their game on Monday with Youngstown State. CJ Funk leads the team with 11 homers and 32 driven in, leading the Panthers in both categories.
Offensively, the Flashes are fifth in the NCAA in doubles with 80 so far this season. Four players have double digit two-baggers with Aidan Longwell leading the way with 13. It has been a balanced effort all season long and was on display in Saturday's 10-1 win over Bowling Green where all 10 players who got an at-bat had at least one hit.
The Panther's pitching staff has pitched to a 6.99 earned run average. Kent State saw six different pitchers during the first meeting and will likely face a plethora of arms on Tuesday night.
Tuesday night will be Student Night Out with plenty of in-game events and giveaways to be featured all game long. Concessions will have beer sales and fans are encouraged to pick up a bingo card and scorecard, play and score along to win prizes.
The Flashes will stay at home this weekend with the Wagon Wheel series starting on Friday. First pitch between the Golden Flashes and Zips is set for 6 p.m. on Friday.
