Kent State University
Ohio
Flashes Host Bobcats in Key Conference Series
4/27/2023 4:21:00 PM | Baseball
KENT- The Golden Flashes continue their home stand this weekend as Ohio University comes to town for a pivotal three game set.
The Golden Flashes and Bobcats are two of the four teams in the log jam atop the Mid-American Conference standings as both join Central Michigan and Ball State at 13-5 overall in MAC play.
The three-game set has already been altered with Friday's game moving up to a 1 p.m. first pitch due to weather and additional changes could be on the way.
The clash among conference leaders features two of the top offenses in the league with both clubs averaging over seven runs per conference game. Kent State has the top pitching staff in league play at a few ticks over four while Ohio comes in with a staff earned run average of 5.79.
The Bobcats feature a solid lineup that is led by Alec Patino who is among the MAC leaders in several offensive categories and has driven in 23 runs in 18 MAC games so far this season. Mason Minzey has provided the power, with six homers in MAC play. Luke Olson is the team's top starter, going 2-1 with a rotation best 5.14 earned run average. The Ohio bullpen has been the strength with four quality arms, led by Braxton Kelly's six saves.
The Flashes come into the weekend off a win over Ohio State at home, improving to 16-1 at Schoonover Stadium this year. The offensive balance has been the key all season long and MAC play is no exception. Collin Mathews and Aidan Longwell both are averaging over a RBI per game but Mike McNamara and Justin Miknis are not far off that pace. The one-two rotation punch of Ben Cruikshank and Joe Whitman have been solid all season long, going a combined 6-1 in MAC play with an ERA just north of three. Like Ohio, the backend of the bullpen has been strong in conference play with four arms logging ERAs under two, led by Mitchell Scott's five saves.
The weekend series will be streamed for free with Dan Griffin and Tyler Henry on the call. Live stats will also be provided free of charge. Â Links are available on the baseball schedule page. The Flashes will head north on Tuesday to face off against the Michigan Wolverines in a non-conference tilt. First pitch from Ann Arbor is set for 4 p.m.
