Broncos Take Two From Flashes

Saturday, April 13

Kent, Ohio

1:00 p.m.

Kent State University

19-15, 5-7

Western Michigan

18-17, 7-5

Western Michigan

Kent State

Photo by: Cameron Croston

4/13/2024 7:31:00 PM | Softball

Box Score 1 Box Score 2

KENT, Ohio – The sixth inning was the difference in both games of a doubleheader at Devine Diamond on Saturday, as Kent State fell to visiting Western Michigan, 10-2 and 6-5.

The Golden Flashes (19-16, 5-8 MAC) were outscored 10-0 in the sixth inning of the two games.

Graduate student Julia Mazanec had a huge day at the plate that included two home runs in the opener. Mazanec finished the day 4-of-6 and scored four runs.

Game 1: Western Michigan 10, Kent State 2 (6 innings)
After Western Michigan struck for two in the top of the second inning, Julia Mazanec provided an immediate answer with a solo shot to lead off the bottom half of the inning. Mazanec added another home run in the bottom of the fourth to tie it 2-2.

Following two ground ball outs in the top of the fifth, the next two Broncos recorded a single and triple to go back ahead 3-2. Western Michigan took advantage of an error that extended the top of the sixth and put together six consecutive hits with two outs to push seven unearned runs across the plate.

Megan Nuechterlein (12-7) finished with three strikeouts and allowed three earned runs over 5.2 innings inside of the pitching circle.

Game 2: Western Michigan 6, Kent State 5
Julia Mazanec singled up the middle to start the bottom of the second and reached base for the fourth time in a row. Mazanec was able to advance to second on a groundout and then scored after the shortstop was unable to keep a ball batted by Carley Penner in front of her, giving Kent State a 1-0 lead.

Western Michigan scored three in the top of the third and held a 3-1 lead at the end of the fifth.

Relief pitcher Ella Esterby nearly escaped a bases loaded jam in the top of the sixth, but the Bronco on first base was able to beat a throw to second and extend the frame while bringing in a run. The next batter added a two-run single that made it 6-1.

Kent State made it interesting in the bottom of the seventh, which began with a double by Bri Despines. Alexandria Whitmore followed with an inside-the-park home run, making it 6-3. Back-to-back errors by the centerfielder allowed another run to score, as Mazanec stood in scoring position at second base. Emily Lippe then drew a walk to bring the winning run to the plate without any outs. Three straight strikeouts followed, but a dropped third strike and throwing error allowed another run to score and the tying run to move into scoring position. After working the count full, Delaney Robeson sent a bouncer to the third baseman, who threw to first for the final out.

Macy Irelan (7-6) tossed 5.2 innings and allowed four runs while striking out six.

On Deck for the Flashes
Kent State and Western Michigan are scheduled to finish the series on Sunday with first pitch at 11 a.m.

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