STAFF REPORTS
news@allwnynews.com
KENT, Ohio – The University at Buffalo baseball team (7-15, 0-1 MAC) fell 9-1 in their MAC opening game against the preseason favorites Kent State on Saturday afternoon at Schoonover Stadium. The Flashes collected 14 hits on the afternoon while the Bulls stranded seven runners on base in the loss.
The Bulls jumped out to the quick 1-0 lead on Saturday as Brian Dudek earned a walk to reach base safely for the 20th straight game. Vinny Mallaro then stepped in and connected on a double to left center field and a bobble by the left fielder allowed Dudek to touch home and give the Bulls the 1-0 lead.
The Golden Flashes didn’t waste any time regaining the lead as Pete Schuler connected on a 2-run home run to deep right center field to plate Dom Lero who opened the inning with a single. Kent State held the 2-1 lead through two innings as Alec Tuohy was able to retire the final two batters of the inning.
The home team was able to add to runs to their lead to take the 4-1 advantage over the Bulls in the third inning as Tim DalPorto doubled to score Dylan Rosa and Mason Mamarella.
Buffalo threatened to cut into the Golden Flashes lead in the top of the fourth inning as Kyle Brennan opened the inning with a walk. Eddie Edwards III then notched his second hit of the day, a single to center field, before Phillip Tomasulo singled to load the bases full of Bulls. Alex Thrower then dug in and flied out to right field to end the threat for UB with the Flashes maintaining the 4-1 lead.
After a pair of scoreless innings on the mound by Tuohy, the Flashes extended their lead out to 5-1 in the sixth inning as the Bulls committed an error at third base to allow the unearned run to cross home plate.
The Golden Flashes put the game away in the eighth inning as they were able to score four runs on three hits and a Buffalo error to make the score 9-1.
Edwards III led the Bulls offense going 3-for-4 with three singles while Dudek finished off his night going 1-for-3 with a run scored. Mallaro closed out his day going 1-for-4 with a double in the loss.
Tuohy finished off his afternoon going 7.0 innings while scattering 11 hits, four runs and four strikeouts in the loss.
The Bulls and Golden Flashes will return to Schoonover Stadium on Sunday morning for a doubleheader. Game one of the doubleheader will begin at 11:00 am followed by game two, a half hour after the completion of game one. Junior Charlie Sobieraski will pitch the first game on Sunday while Shawn Dubin will toe the rubber for game two on Sunday.