Kent State University
16-8, 2-0
Ball State
15-16, 2-3
Flashes Complete Sweep of Ball State in MAC-Opening Series
3/23/2024 8:29:00 PM | Softball
MUNCIE, Ind. – The Kent State softball team took both games of a doubleheader from host Ball State on Saturday afternoon, 6-3 and 6-2, to extend its winning streak to 10.
The Golden Flashes (17-8) are 3-0 to start Mid-American Conference play for the first time since 2016.
On Saturday, Kent State recorded double-digit hits in both contests. Graduate student Alexandria Whitmore led the way with five hits and two runs scored. Junior Savannah Wing added three hits and team-high four RBIs each.
Game 1: Kent State 6, Ball State 3
The Golden Flashes opened the day with three consecutive hits, resulting in a pitching change for the Cardinals. Alexandria Whitmore hit a double to left-center and scored on Savannah Wing's single to make it 1-0. After the new pitcher entered, a fielder's choice put runners on the corners, and Julia Mazanec brought Wing home with a double. Pinch runner Sydney Shammo scored on an error and Brynn Libler made it 4-0 with a sac fly.
Kent State added single runs in the fourth and sixth innings on two-out hits by Delaney Robeson and Whitmore.
Megan Nuechterlein (10-3) took a shutout into the bottom of the seventh and was replaced after Ball State scored on two hits and a walk. After allowing the first two batters she faced to reach, Macy Irelan recorded a strikeout and got a fly ball to right field to finish the game.
Game 2: Kent State 6, Ball State 2
Ball State led 1-0 at the end of the first inning, but Kent State took the lead in the top of the second. Singles by Emily Lippe and Julia Mazanec started the rally, and the Golden Flashes had two in scoring position after a sac bunt. Brynn Libler tied it with a single and Kenzie Bromley's sac fly made it 2-1.
A triple by Alexandria Whitmore and double by Savannah Wing extended the lead to 3-1 after three innings.
Kent State loaded the bases with one out in the top of the fourth, and Whitmore picked up a RBI with a groundout to the shortstop. Wing then cleared the bases with a double down the left field line for a 6-1 lead.
Ball State scored on a pair of extra-base hits, but a strong relay throw to third by Mazanec ended the chance for a rally in the bottom of the fifth.
Macy Irelan (7-4) had a season-high 12 strikeouts in a complete game effort.
On Deck for the Flashes
Kent State will go back on the road next weekend for a MAC series at Northern Illinois on March 29-30.
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Team Stats
Pitching:
W: Nuechterlein, Megan (10-3)
L: EUBANK, Emma (1-3)
Batting:
2B: Whitmore, Alexandria 1 ; Mazanec, Julia 1
3B: Robeson, Delaney 1
RBI: Whitmore, Alexandria 1 ; Wing, Savannah 1 ; Mazanec, Julia 1 ; Penner, Carley 1 ; Libler, Brynn 1 ; Robeson, Delaney 1
SF: Libler, Brynn 1
Base Running:
RUNS: Whitmore, Alexandria 1 ; Wing, Savannah 1 ; Shammo, Sydney 1 ; Mazanec, Julia 1 ; Penner, Carley 1 ; Libler, Brynn 1
SB: Penner, Carley 1
CS: Schultz, Reagan 1
HBP: Despines, Bri 1
Batting:
2B: LOVETT, Ashlee 1 ; URBAN, Hayley 1
RBI: WYNN, Haley 2 ; URBAN, Hayley 1
Base Running:
RUNS: ARMENDARIZ, Jazmyne 1 ; ROSS, Remington 1 ; URBAN, Hayley 1
