The University of Akron Athletics
University of Akron
Kent State
Baseball Drops Regular Season Finale to Kent State, 3-2, in 10 Innings
May 16 | Baseball
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AKRON, Ohio – The University of Akron baseball team fell to crosstown rival Kent State, 3-2, in its regular season finale at Lee R. Jackson Field after the Golden Flashes broke a 2-all tie in the top of the 10th inning to take the three-game Mid-American Conference series and earn one point toward the PNC Wagon Wheel Challenge on Saturday.
The Zips' rally effort fell short as they stranded a runner on third to end both the ninth and tenth innings.
Akron concludes the regular season with a 25-28 overall record after going 13-14 in MAC play. Kent State improved to 31-20 overall and 18-9 in the MAC.
The Zips trailed 2-0 after Kent State plated a run in both the third and fifth innings on RBI singles.
In the sixth frame, redshirt junior infielder Gerrad Rohan stepped up to bat with the bases loaded and ripped a two-run single up the middle. He plated seniors Matt Rembielak and Joey Havrilak, who reached on a single and a double, respectively.
Reliever Zach Beaver (0-2) kept the Golden Flashes quiet in the eighth and ninth until Kent State took the extra-inning thriller with its run in the top of the tenth.
KSU's game-winning run scored after UA misplayed the ball on a Sawyer Polen single, allowing the runner from second to score. The run was unearned against Beaver, who pitched 2.2 innings, allowed four hits and one run while striking out three.
Beaver took over for redshirt senior starter Jon Pusateri who twirled 7.0 innings and allowed eight hits and two runs while fanning six.
In addition to Rohan's two-RBI performance on offense, Havrilak went 4-for-5 at the plate with a pair of doubles.
Overall, Kent State out-hit the Zips, 12-10, with the Golden Flashes posting three errors to Akron's one.
With a 2-1 win over Kent State on Friday, Akron clinched a spot in the MAC Tournament at All Pro Freight Stadium in Avon, Ohio on May 20-23. Seeding will be determined with the conclusion of other games around the league.
