Kent State Stuns Florida 5-4, Knocks Gators out of College World Series

OMAHA, Nebraska — The Golden Flashes got an early jump on offense in their 5-4 victory against the Florida Gators.

Kent State sneaked in one run in the first inning against Florida’s starter Hudson Randall. Randall left the game after one inning with heat exhaustion. The pitching change was not a big enough change of pace for the Flashes as they were able to follow up the first inning with three runs in the second, entering the third inning with 4-0 lead.

A big part of KSU’s early rally was shortstop Jimmy Rider. Rider scored the first run of the game off of a George Roberts single to right field. Rider then batted in the first run of the second inning with an infield single that Florida’s third baseman Josh Tobias fumbled. The hit allowed Jason Bagoly to cross the plate. Rider finished the game going 2 for 5 , scoring 3 runs and drivingin one.

Kent State had a late game scare beginning with two runs in the seventh inning, one of which was an RBI single by catcher Mike Zunino while the bases were loaded. Kent state led 5-4 to end the inning. Zunino had 2 RBI in the game and went 2/4. In the ninth inning, KSU reliever Josh Pierce hit Daniel Pigott with a pitch to load the bases once again, but Pierce prevailed striking out freshman Casey Turgeon and getting the final out on a pop fly by Justin Shafer. Pierce was one of four relievers for the starter Ryan Bores who pitched 6 innings, giving up 6 hits, 2 runs and striking out one batter.

The Golden Flashes advance to Game 10 of the College World Series. Their opponent will be the loser of Monday’s Arkansas vs. South Carolina game. Game 10 will be played Wednesday night.