Kent State University
University of Pittsburgh
Kent State Hosts Pittsburgh for Marquee Midweek Non-Conference Matchup
3/23/2026 3:02:00 PM | Baseball
KENT, Ohio – Riding one of the hottest streaks in the country, the Kent State Golden Flashes welcome Pittsburgh to Schoonover Stadium on Tuesday for a high-profile midweek non-conference matchup. Kent State comes in at 18-4 overall, the best record in the MAC and 14th-best winning percentage in the nation at .818, while Pittsburgh checks in at 15-6 after a competitive early ACC schedule.Â
Kent State at the Peak of Its Powers
The Flashes have been one of the most complete teams in the country through 22 games, and the national numbers back it up at every turn. Kent State leads the MAC and ranks among the nation's best in WHIP (1.19, 16th nationally), strikeout-to-walk ratio (3.33, 10th nationally), walks allowed per nine innings (2.74, 3rd nationally), and ERA (4.29, 43rd nationally). The offense has been equally productive, scoring 179 runs through 22 games, 2nd in the MAC and 70th nationally, and at 8.1 runs per game, ranking 46th in the country and 2nd in the MAC.
What makes this team particularly dangerous is its balance. Kent State doesn't beat you one way; the Flashes have 28 home runs, 47 stolen bases, and 117 walks as a team, and a pitching staff that leads the MAC in virtually every category.Â
A Lineup Built to Do Damage
What has made Kent State's offense so difficult to contain in 2026 is that the production has come from everywhere. The Flashes are hitting .271 as a team with 28 home runs, and the contributions have been spread across the entire lineup rather than concentrated in one or two spots.
At the top, Sawyer Solitaria (.330) has been the Flashes' top hitter, leading the team with 29 hits, eight home runs, a .659 slugging percentage, and 18 walks. Brady Marshall (.341) has also been one of the most dynamic offensive contributors, scoring 18 runs and swiping seven bags in just 15 games. Micah Rienstra-Kiracofe (.317) has been one of the team's most consistent RBI producers with 20, drawing 15 walks and reaching base at a .469 clip. Nolan Belcher (.311) has been a steady presence behind the plate offensively, posting a .429 on-base percentage, while Alejandro Covas (.288, 2 HR, 11 RBI) has provided excellent production in an expanded role.
The power in the middle of the order has been a genuine weapon. Kolton Schaller (.295, 5 HR, 20 RBI) has had a breakout season, emerging as one of the more feared middle-of-the-order bats in the conference. Ripken Reese (.250, 4 HR, 16 RBI) and Brody Williams (.238, 3 HR, 20 RBI) add to what has become one of the more balanced power lineups in the MAC. Even players deeper in the order have contributed. Max Humphrey (.282, 1 HR, 10 RBI) has been productive in a part-time role, and Hunter Klotz (.245) has driven in 13 runs while providing reliable defense at first base.
The patience at the plate has been equally impressive. Kent State has drawn 117 walks as a team, third in the MAC, and has been hit by a pitch 47 times, the third-most in the conference.Â
Pittsburgh Is a Legitimate Challenge
Make no mistake — the Panthers are one of the better teams Kent State will see all season, regardless of venue. Pittsburgh ranks 9th nationally in batting average (.330), 4th in slugging percentage (.593), 2nd in on-base percentage (.471), and 4th in scoring at 10.2 runs per game. This is an elite offensive lineup with no easy outs.
Lorenzo Carrier is simply putting on one of the most extraordinary offensive performances in college baseball in 2026. The first baseman is batting .464 with 10 home runs and 44 RBI. His slugging percentage of 1.029 ranks first nationally, and his on-base percentage of .619 ranks second. He has been intentionally walked 10 times already this season. AJ Nessler (.369, 4 HR) ranks 13th nationally in runs scored with 34, while Trey Fenderson (.329, 4 HR, 19 RBI), Kai Wagner (.329, 3 HR, 24 RBI), Sebastian Pisacreta (.325, 6 HR, 21 RBI), and Carter Dierdorf (.321, 5 HR, 19 RBI) ensure there are no soft spots anywhere in the lineup.Â
Pittsburgh has 45 home runs as a team, which ranks 11th nationally, and its 2.14 home runs per game mark is the best in the ACC.Â
On the Mound: Jones vs. Doganiero
Kent State gives the ball to Gavin Jones. The right-hander carries a 13.03 ERA across 9.2 innings in five appearances, including three starts. Jones struck out nine batters and earned a save this past weekend.
Evan Holewinski (2.35 ERA, 3 saves), Peyton Williams (1.86 ERA, 2 saves), Nick Guidas (3.71 ERA), and Jordan Kolenda (3.55 ERA) give Kent State a dependable group of arms to turn to if Jones struggles to navigate the Pittsburgh lineup early.
Pittsburgh counters with left-hander Antonio Doganiero, who is 2-1 with a 3.14 ERA across 14.1 innings in three starts this season. He's struck out 14 and shown solid command, and his .214 batting average against is one of the better marks among Panther starters.Â
First pitch Tuesday is set for 3 p.m. at Schoonover Stadium in Kent, Ohio.
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