Kent State University
Ohio State University
Kent State Heads to Columbus for Midweek Game at Ohio State
3/9/2026 5:54:00 PM | Baseball
COLUMBUS, Ohio – Coming off a 2-1 weekend in their MAC opener against Bowling Green, the Kent State Golden Flashes make the short trip down I-71 to Columbus for a midweek non-conference matchup against Ohio State on Tuesday. It's a classic in-state clash between programs separated by about 130 miles, and Kent State will look to build on the momentum of a winning weekend as the Flashes continue to establish themselves as one of the MAC's premier teams. First pitch is scheduled for 3 p.m. Eastern.
Kent State Playing Its Best Baseball
The Flashes have steadily improved as the season has progressed, and the numbers back it up. At 11-4, Kent State leads the MAC in ERA (4.10), WHIP (1.22), strikeout-to-walk ratio (3.27), walks allowed per nine innings (2.75), fielding percentage (.980), and wins percentage (.733). The offense has been equally impressive, ranking second in the MAC in runs scored (119) and fourth in batting average (.268). This is a complete team that wins games in multiple ways, and Tuesday's trip to Columbus represents another opportunity to build a resume against a Big Ten opponent.
Ohio State, meanwhile, has had a difficult early go of it at 5-9, dropping its first three Big Ten games and carrying a 6.73 team ERA that ranks 212th nationally. Walks have plagued the Buckeyes, issuing 94 free passes in 123 innings, a 6.88 walks per nine innings rate that ranks 276th in the country.
Solitaria Keeps Rolling
There's no slowing down Sawyer Solitaria. The outfielder is batting .383 with seven home runs, 15 RBI, and 19 runs scored through 15 games, leading the MAC in home runs, total bases (47), and runs scored. Nationally, he ranks 23rd in home runs, 37th in total bases, and 50th in runs.Â
The lineup around him has continued to deepen. Kolton Schaller has emerged as one of the MAC's more pleasant surprises, batting .310 with three home runs and 15 RBI in just 14 games. Micah Rienstra-Kiracofe (.302) leads the club with 17 RBI and has drawn 11 walks, while Brody Williams (.254) adds two home runs and 12 RBI in the middle of the order. Luke Matthews has been one of the best table-setters in the conference, reaching base at a .342 clip and scoring 14 runs despite a modest .217 average, which is a testament to his ability to get on base via walks and hit-by-pitches. Alejandro Covas (.276) has also quietly been productive in a reserve role, giving the Flashes good depth throughout the lineup.
Ohio State's pitching staff has allowed opponents to hit .261 against them and has surrendered 105 runs through 14 games. Kent State's lineup is primed to take advantage.
Ohio State Has Some Offensive Threats
Despite the difficult record, the Buckeyes have some legitimate hitters worth monitoring. Dane Harvey is the team'shottest bat, slashing .348/.375/.696 with two home runs in limited at-bats. Noah Furcht leads the everyday lineup at .314 with three home runs and 10 RBI, and Mason Eckelman (.259, 3 HR, 15 RBI) has been their most consistent run producer. Lee Ellis brings athleticism and versatility, batting .235 with seven stolen bases and a team-high six hit-by-pitches.Â
Kent State's pitching staff, which ranks first in the MAC in ERA and WHIP, will need to be sharp against a lineup that, while inconsistent, has enough pieces to put up a crooked number if things unravel.
On the Mound: Jones vs. Butler
Kent State will give the ball to Gavin Jones in what could be a pivotal start for the right-hander. Jones has had a rough season to this point, carrying a 25.07 ERA across 4.2 innings in three appearances, including two starts. He's walked five and allowed four home runs, and has yet to find his footing in 2026. Tuesday represents a significant opportunity for Jones to turn things around against a Buckeye offense that has also struggled at times.
Ohio State counters with Ryan Butler, who will be making his first appearance this season. In 2025, Butler had nine appearances with a 12.43 ERA and an opponent batting average of .341.
The Kent State bullpen remains a strength if Jones struggles. Evan Holewinski (1.64 ERA), Peyton Williams (2.35 ERA), Nick Guidas (2.92 ERA), and Jordan Kolenda (3.60 ERA) give the Flashes a deep group of reliable arms to turn to.
The Bottom Line
A win Tuesday would push the Flashes to 12-4 and keep them rolling as they return home this weekend for another MAC series versus Central Michigan. Getting a road victory against another Power Four program would also be a quality addition to the resume.
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