The top-seeded Kent State Golden Flashes used an eight-run ninth inning on Thursday to defeat Western Michigan, 12-3. The two teams could meet again as Kent State plays the winner of Western Michigan and Buffalo on Friday.
Kent State found themselves down 3-1 in the seventh inning before its bats woke up. Nick Hamilton hit an RBI single, which was followed by a two-RBI double by right fielder T.J. Sutton that gave Kent State a 4-3 lead.
The Golden Flashes then poured it on in the ninth inning, adding eight more runs, sparked by a grand slam hit by first baseman George Roberts. When all was said and done, Kent State had won 12-3.
Despite a tight game for eight innings today, Kent State has faced little resistance thus far in the MAC tournament. It has outscored its two opponents 21-3. The finals of the MAC tournament will take place on Saturday.