The University of Akron Athletics
University of Akron
Kent State
Baseball Defeats Kent State, 2-1, on Senior Day; Clinches a Spot in MAC Tournament
May 15 | Baseball
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AKRON, Ohio – A strong combined pitching performance from junior starter JT Brubaker and senior reliever Pat Dyer on Friday lifted the University of Akron over Kent State, 2-1, on Senior Day at Lee R. Jackson Field to give Akron the victory it needed to clinch a spot in next week's Mid-American Conference Tournament.
The win evens the three-game series and moves Akron to 25-27 overall and 13-13 in the MAC while Kent State slips to 30-20 and 17-9 in conference action.
Akron's nine seniors, Pat Dyer, Andrew Fanning, Joey Havrilak, Zak Knettel, Matt LaRocca, Dan Lawrence, Jon Pusateri, Matt Rembielak and Darius Washington were honored on the field before the game.
Brubaker got things started on the mound for Akron, allowing just four hits and one run in 6.0 innings pitched. He fanned five and walked three.
Dyer took over after Brubaker's exit and pitched 3.0 scoreless frames, serving up just one hit. With the help of a double play turned by senior shortstop Matt Rembielak in the top of the eighth, Dyer faced the minimum number of batters throughout his 3.0 innings.
The game saw eight total hits, with Akron registering three.
The Zips led 1-0 in the bottom of the first after redshirt senior infielder Joey Havrilak walked to lead off the inning. Havrilak advanced on a sacrifice bunt and came around to score on a double from junior infielder Gerrad Rohan.
Kent State tied the game with one run in the top of the third off a one-out RBI single. Brubaker quickly fanned a batter and picked up the final out to end the scoring threat with two runners on.
The game remained locked in a tie for the next four innings until junior outfielder Kris Simonton reached on a KSU throwing error. Simonton crossed home on a wild pitch to give Akron its 2-1 edge as Dyer kept the Golden Flashes quiet through the remainder of the game.
The Zips are slated to make their second-straight conference tournament appearance. Seeds No. 5 through No. 8 in the MAC Tournament are currently up for grabs between four teams. Western Michigan, Bowling Green, Ball State and Akron are each tied at 13 conference wins apiece. The seeds will be determined pending the results of tomorrow's contests.
The Zips and Golden Flashes will look ahead to the rubber match, set for Saturday, May 16 at 4 p.m. at Lee Jackson Field. The winner of the series will earn one point toward the PNC Wagon Wheel Challenge. Kent State currently leads the tally, 7.0-5.0.
