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Kent State's Season Comes to a Close in 2-1 Loss to Central Michigan
AKRON, Ohio - Kent State's season came to an end Friday with a 2-1 setback against Central Michigan during day three of the MAC Tournament at Firestone Stadium. The Golden Flashes were among the final six teams standing in the tournament for the sixth consecutive season, but the KSU offense could not take advantage of its base runners the way it did during most of the regular season.
Freshman pitcher Lauren McNeil did not allow a run in the first four innings, but two-out hitting allowed the Chippewas to tie the game in the fifth and take the lead in the sixth.
"This week our pitchers really grew up," Head Coach Karen Linder said. "They came into the year with very little experience and I think they gained a lot of confidence that is really going to help us in the future."
The Flashes' only run came in the fourth. Jess Carmichael hit a high pop up that was dropped and moved to second on a bunt by Shannon Laughlin. Beth Cinadr then singled to left and a bobble by the left fielder allowed Carmichael to score. CMU starter Kari Seddon retired the next two batters to leave a runner stranded in scoring position for the third straight inning.
The Flashes also left a runner on second in the fifth and on runners on the corners in the sixth.
"I wish our offense was more productive, but the pitching and defense was there," Linder said. "We came a long way defensively since the beginning of the year,"
The turning point in game came in the fifth when the Chippewas drew a two-out walk during an eight-pitch at bat. The runner then moved to second on a wild pitch and scored on a single to center by Brittney Horan.
Sophomore Danielle Abernathy came in to start the sixth inning and a two-out a single up the middle by Amanda Klosterman scored Brittini Merchant from second. It was the only run Abernathy allowed in two innings of relief and her only earned run of the tournament, but it was Central Michigan needed.
In a repeat of Thursday's seventh inning, Holly Finchum led off and reached base, this time with a single to left. Finchum went 2-for-2 with a walk in her final game. Lauren Grimes then struck out swinging before Alex Marcantonio lined a ball to third, resulting in a game-ending double play.
The Golden Flashes finished 20-31 overall and advanced to the MAC Tournament for the eighth consecutive season.
