University of Toledo
Kent State
Toledo Drops MAC Opener at Kent State, 5-1
3/27/2004 12:00:00 PM | Baseball
KENT, OH - The University of Toledo baseball team began Mid-American Conference play this afternoon, suffering a 5-1 setback to Kent State at Gene Michael Field. The loss drops the Rockets to 4-12 and 0-1 in the MAC West, while the Golden Flashes improve to 8-12 and 1-0 in the MAC East.
KSU's Andy Sonnanstine, the MAC leader in strikeouts heading into today's game, picked up the win to improve his record to 4-2. Sonnanstine pitched 7.0 innings, allowing eight hits and one unearned run to go with four strikeouts and two walks. Toledo junior RHP Kurt Woeste (1-2) was tagged with the loss, scattering nine hits in 8.0 innings of work.
With Kent State clinging to a 2-1 lead heading into the bottom of the eighth, the home team blew the game open when Eric Holick drove a sharp single down the right-field line with the bases loaded. The single drove in a pair to give KSU a 4-1 lead. The Golden Flashes would add an extra insurance run later in the inning to make the final, 5-1.
KSU's Chad Wagler pitched the final 2.0 innings to garner his second save of the season. Wagler struck out four UT batters and gave up two hits.
Toledo jumped out in front 1-0 in the top of the second inning when redshirt freshman 1B Ryan Laude's single to centerfield scored senior SS Chris Arvay, who reached on a KSU throwing error earlier in the inning.
Kent State then scored two runs to take the lead for good in the bottom of the fourth. Adam Crowder blasted a two-run home run over the right-center field wall for the eventual game-winner. The round-tripper also drove in Chad Kinyon, who led off the frame with a single through the left side.
Senior CF Sean Dobson (2-for-4), junior C Dan Ruth (2-for-4) and junior 2B Matt Ruth (2-for-3) led the Rockets with multi-hit contests.
The two teams will now play a doubleheader on Sunday, Mar. 28 beginning at noon.
