KENT, Ohio – Rallies late in the game fell short for Kent State (17-8, 2-2) in the series-opener with Western Michigan (8-15, 1-0), a game that had two highly-billed starters facing off.
Both starting pitchers struck out 11 batters each while two Broncos relievers and one Flash from the bullpen added in seven more to total 29 punch-outs on the day.
The Golden Flashes gave ace Eric Lauer a 1-0 lead to work with after the first inning on some great small ball tactics. Luke Burch led off the game with an infield single, Zach Beckner sacrificed him over with a bunt and Zarley Zalewski also singled to put runners on the corners.