The University of Akron Athletics
Baseball Drops Series Opener to Kent State in 17 Innings, 5-4
May 17 | Baseball
Follow Zips Baseball on Twitter (@ZipsBB) and Facebook
AKRON, Ohio – The University of Akron (15-35, 10-14 MAC) baseball team fell in the series opener against Mid-American Conference rival Kent State University (32-21, 18-7 MAC) by a score of 5-4 in a 17-inning affair on Thursday evening at Canal Park.
Sophomore Jon Pusateri made the start at pitcher for UA, and turned in 3.0 innings with four runs allowed – two earned – with three walks and one strikeout. Pusateri was given a no-decision in the loss.
Kent State put the first run on the board in the top of the first on a sacrifice fly to right field by George Roberts. The Golden Flashes increased their lead to 4-0 in the top of the third with a three run rally, which was highlighted by a two RBI triple.
Down four runs to KSU, Akron rallied for four runs in the bottom of the third to knot the game at four runs a piece. James Sheltrown scored on a wild pitch, Devan Ahart singled in a run and Matt LaRocca ripped a two RBI double into right center to put the game at the four-all tie.
Following the collective seven runs scored in the third, the Zips and Golden Flashes went scoreless for the next 13 frames. Akron utilized three different pitchers to work through the extra inning game.
Freshman Zach Beaver worked 4.0 innings out of the bullpen with two hits allowed and one strikeout. Senior Samuel Trecaso lowered his ERA to 0.76 over a career-high 5.0 innings pitched with five strikeouts.
LaRocca was the pitcher of record for Akron. The sophomore from Stony Brook, N.Y., allowed the winning run to Kent State in the top of the 17th inning, which dropped his season record to 0-2. He finished the game with 2.0 innings pitched with one run allowed and one strikeout.
Overall the Zips registered 14 hits, three walks and three RBI in the 17 inning game. Senior Jared Turocy had the most success at the plate, registering three hits and one run scored. Turocy extended his consecutive game hit streak to 20 games with the hits.
Akron and Kent State will play the second game of the three game series on Friday at 3 p.m., on Lee R. Jackson Field. Freshman John Valek III is the scheduled starter for Akron.
