Golden Flashes Roll Past Mercyhurst 14-2 in Seven Innings

Tuesday, April 14

Erie, PA

2 PM ET

Kent State University

26-9

Mercyhurst University

10-20

Team	1	2	3	4	5	6	7	Runs R	Hits H	Errors E
Kent St.	2	0	3	2	3	4	0	14	14	0
Mercyhurst	0	1	0	1	0	0	0	2	5	2

Two Kent State Golden Flashes baseball players leap into the air for a jubilant chest bump celebration near the dugout after a big play, both wearing the team's powder blue "Flashes" alternate uniforms. Several teammates in jerseys numbered 11, 18, and 67 look on from the dugout steps, while fans in the bleachers watch in the background. The green outfield wall with partial "yhurst" lettering is visible, indicating the game is being played at an opponent's home field.

Golden Flashes Roll Past Mercyhurst 14-2 in Seven Innings

4/14/2026 7:24:00 PM | Baseball

Box Score

ERIE, Pa. — Kent State got back in the win column in dominant fashion Tuesday afternoon, rolling past Mercyhurst 14-2 in seven innings to improve to 26-9 overall.

The Golden Flashes jumped on Mercyhurst starter Ryan Okopal immediately in the first inning. Brady Marshall walked, and Ripken Reese singled before a pitch hit Nolan Belcher to load the bases. After a fielder's choice, Sawyer Solitaria singled home a run and then both he and Micah Rienstra-Kiracofe executed a double steal, with Rienstra-Kiracofe scoring to give Kent State a 2-0 lead.

Mercyhurst pulled within 2-1 in the second on a Zac Evenson RBI single, but the Flashes answered with a three-run third. Rienstra-Kiracofe led it off with a solo home run, and Kent State added two more on a Hunter Klotz RBI groundout and a Grady Mee RBI single to push the lead to 5-1.

Two more runs crossed in the fourth on an Alejandro Covas RBI single and a wild pitch, and Mercyhurst's Zach Black hit a solo home run in the bottom half to make it 7-2. Kent State put the game away with three runs in the fifth. Reese singled home a run, Solitaria doubled home another, and Covas drove in a third with a double, stretching the lead to 10-2.

The sixth inning was the final blow. Brody Williams doubled, and Klotz walked before Mee singled to load the bases. Marshall followed with an RBI single, and Belcher reached on a Mercyhurst error that scored two more. Rienstra-Kiracofe then singled home another to push the lead to 14-2, and Grant Keffaber and Peyton Williams held the Lakers scoreless the rest of the way to complete the run-rule victory.

Rienstra-Kiracofe went 2-for-4 with a home run, two RBIs, and two runs scored. Solitaria finished 2-for-4 with a double, two RBIs, and two runs scored. Covas went 2-for-4 with a double, two RBIs, and two runs scored. Williams went 2-for-4 with a double and two stolen bases. Reese added two hits and an RBI, while Marshall contributed an RBI single and a walk. Mee went 2-for-3 with two RBIs and two walks, and Belcher scored three times while driving in a run. Lind earned the win (3-0), allowing one run over two innings of relief.

Kent State returns home this weekend to host Ball State in a MAC series at Schoonover Stadium.

---

Be The Difference, Support the Baseball Excellence Fund

Support the baseball program today by donating to the Baseball Excellence Fund by clicking here.

Follow Kent State Baseball

For complete coverage of Kent State Baseball, download the official Kent State Golden Flashes app (iOS, Android) and follow the Golden Flashes on social media on X, Instagram, and Facebook for news and updates.

A Kent State baseball player wearing a light blue headband smiles broadly as he is greeted by teammates in the dugout after scoring a run, exchanging handshakes and fist bumps with players in navy and gold Under Armour uniforms. Jersey number 34 is visible in the foreground as several teammates and a coach look on with excitement, with bare winter trees visible in the background on an overcast day.

Golden Flashes Head to Erie for Midweek Matchup at Mercyhurst

Monday, April 13

Kent State’s Day of Giving Is Tuesday, April 14

Monday, April 13

**The Kent State Golden Flashes baseball team gathers in a pregame huddle on the outfield grass at home, with players in navy and gold Under Armour uniforms raising their hands and fingers together in a unified team cheer. Visible jersey numbers include 32, 2, 42, 44, 14, and 25, with "Kent State" lettering across the backs of several players. A coach stands to the right holding a helmet as the group breaks together, with the outfield wall and scoreboard visible in the overcast background.**

Golden Flashes Drop Series Finale at Northern Illinois, 5-2

Sunday, April 12

Kent State Rallies Past Northern Illinois With 9-8 Win to Tie Series

Saturday, April 11

Next Event

Ball State University

Apr 17 (Fri)

6 PM ET

Live stats Tickets History

0Days

0Hours

0Minutes

0Seconds

Full Schedule

Team Stats

Pitching:

W: Lind, Parker (3-0)

L: Ryan Okopal (0-1)

Kent St.

Batting:

2B: Solitaria, Sawyer 1 ; Covas, Alejandro 1 ; Williams, Brody 1

HR: Rienstra-Kiracofe, Micah 1

RBI: Marshall, Brady 1 ; Reese, Ripken 1 ; Belcher, Nolan 1 ; Rienstra-Kiracofe, Micah 2 ; Solitaria, Sawyer 2 ; Covas, Alejandro 2 ; Klotz, Hunter 1 ; Mee, Grady 1

SH: Rienstra-Kiracofe, Micah 1

Base Running:

RUNS: Marshall, Brady 2 ; Belcher, Nolan 3 ; Rienstra-Kiracofe, Micah 2 ; Solitaria, Sawyer 2 ; Covas, Alejandro 2 ; Williams, Brody 1 ; Klotz, Hunter 1 ; Mee, Grady 1