Miami sophomore outfielder Jake Romano attempts to lay down a bunt against Kent State University. Romano went 2 for 13 with 2 runs scored in the series. He is hitting .246 for the season with a team-high 13 stolen bases. (Rachael Le Goubin | Daily Kent Star)
The Miami University baseball team dropped two of three games against the Mid-American Conference leading Kent State University Golden Flashes this weekend.
The RedHawks lost 4-2 in the opener and 14-3 Saturday before bouncing back with a 6-4 win Sunday. The win Sunday snapped a three-game losing streak for the RedHawks.
Head coach Danny Hayden said he was less than pleased, especially with Friday's game.
"We would have liked to come out with more than just a win," said Hayden, "We let that one [Friday's game] slip through the cracks."
Miami junior Seth Varner was tagged with loss, despite a quality start. Varner went 7 innings, allowing three runs (two earned) on eight hits while striking out eight.
The RedHawks (14-20, 5-7 MAC) fell to the Flashes (22-12, 9-3 MAC) Friday 4-2. Miami mustered only five hits in the game.
Miami made a late run to tie the game at 2-2 in the top of the 7th, but gave up an additional two runs in the bottom of the 8th.
Senior third baseman Dan Walsh was the only RedHawk to record more than one hit, going 2 for 3.
Miami returned Saturday and lost again, this time 14-3. The RedHawks gave up 19 hits, with 15 of those allowed by junior Nathan Williams. He went 3 1-3 innings, giving up 10 earned runs with only one strikeout.
Walsh was again the only RedHawk to record multiple hits, going 2 for 3.
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The 'Hawks finished the series on a high note, edging out the Golden Flashes 6-4. Junior catcher Max Andresen was 3 for 5 with an RBI.
"It's easy to hit when you've got good hitters surrounding you," said Andresen, "Pitchers have to pitch you balls you can hit because they can't afford to walk you."
Hayden said a big part of Sunday's win was hitting well.
"Our team is built to score a lot of runs," said Hayden, "We got to their guy early. It makes our lives easier on the mound and in the bullpen."
Junior starter Ryan Powers agreed.
"[Having good hitters] helps tremendously," said Powers, "it's easier to pitch with the lead than tied or down a couple runs."
The right-handed Powers threw 7 2-3 innings, allowing four runs on 10 hits. He finished the day with one walk and seven strikeouts.
Hayden said the team is trying to build off the win moving forward.
"We'd love to get on a roll," said Hayden, "We really haven't been that consistent lately."
Powers said the win was a momentum builder.
"This is a great morale victory," said Powers, "We lost three in a row and didn't want to lose the weekend. This is a huge momentum builder."
The RedHawks head to Eastern Kentucky University Wednesday to face the 17-19 Colonels. The game was originally scheduled for Tuesday, but was pushed back a day. Fans can listen to the game on redhawkradio.com/sports.
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