Irelan Fans 14 in Kent State Victory

Tuesday, April 25

Kent, Ohio

3:00 p.m.

Kent State University

13-28, 8-11

Buffalo

10-32, 4-14

BUF

Kent State

Photo by: David Dermer

4/25/2023 5:48:00 PM | Softball

Box Score

KENT, Ohio – Freshman Macy Irelan recorded a career-high 14 strikeouts as the Kent State softball team defeated Buffalo, 4-2, in the opening game of a Mid-American Conference series at Devine Diamond on Tuesday.

Irelan, who improved to 7-11 on the season, fanned all three Bulls who stepped to the plate in the top of the first and had multiple strikeouts in five of seven innings. She allowed just three hits while tossing her third seven-inning complete game of the season.

The Golden Flashes (13-28, 8-11 MAC) received offensive production from the top of the batting order with seven of the team's eight hits coming from the one through five spots in the lineup. Freshman Bri Despines, senior Julia Mazanec and junior Emily Lippe led the way with two hits apiece. Despines totaled two RBIs and two runs scored. Sophomore Delaney Robeson added two RBIs.

A solo homer in the top of the second gave Buffalo a 1-0 lead.

After failing to bring home runners on leadoff singles in the first two innings, Kent State took the lead with back-to-back two-out hits in the bottom of the third. Mazanec reached on a bunt single, and Despines followed with a home run down the right field line.

More successful at-bats with two outs added to the lead and plated two more runs in the top of the fifth. Despines placed a bunt for a single, advancing junior Jade Ramer to third base, and then took second as it was uncovered while the pitcher had the ball outside of the circle. Robeson followed with a single that scored both and made it 4-1.

The Bulls scored one run in the top of the seventh to make it a two-run final margin.

Kent State and Buffalo will play a doubleheader on Wednesday to conclude the series. First pitch is scheduled for 1 p.m.