Kent State University
Miami (OH)
Flashes Welcome in RedHawks for Big MAC Weekend
5/2/2024 12:26:00 PM | Baseball
KENT- The Golden Flashes welcome in the Miami Redhawks for a key conference series at Schoonover Stadium.Â
Friday's game has been moved up to noon because of impending weather in the Kent area, Saturday is still set for 3 p.m. and Sunday's finale has a 1 p.m. first pitch.
Kent State took two-of-three from conference leading BG last weekend, highlighted by a walk-off win on Friday and a run-rule victory on Sunday. The weekend moved the Flashes to 12-9 in MAC play and in a tie for fourth in the standings. Miami, winners of eight straight, is a half-game ahead of the Flashes at 14-10 overall.
The two squads are statistically even on the offensive side, both hitting .282 against MAC pitching. The Flashes are averaging a run more per game offensively, while Miami is a tick better on the mound. Kent State is second in the MAC with 46 homers (to Miami's 25) while the RedHawks lead the MAC in sacrifice hits.
The matchup will be headlined by Josh Johnson for the Flashes and Zach McDonald for Miami. Both are at the top of the MAC in average, home runs, RBI and steals. On the mound, the Flashes got a strong start from Eric Chalus on Sunday, striking out eight Falcons and picked up his fifth win of the season. Miami's top arms are their swing relievers led by Carson Byers who has pitched to a 1.93 era out of the bullpen in MAC play over 32 innings.
Friday's planned KENTucky Derby event will go on as planned in the third base tent, tickets are still available on the day of the game. Friday will also be a faculty/staff appreciation day with five-dollar tickets available for purchase. Sunday's Cinco de Mayo celebration will go on as planned as is the blue and gold pride weekend.
All three games will have a free live stream as well as live stats, links are available on the baseball schedule page. Kent State stays local next weekend, traveling to the Rubber City to take on the Zips in the wagon wheel rivalry. First pitch on Friday is set for 2:05 p.m.
