Box Score

Kent, Ohio - Left-handed starter Taylor Durand scattered two hits over a career-long five innings in the starting role, but it wasn't enough as Kent State edged the Catamounts, 3-1, on Friday evening in nonconference action at Schoonover Stadium.

The Golden Flashes (41-12) twice capitalized on infield singles followed by run-scoring triples in the fifth and sixth inning to pull ahead 2-0, adding a second run in the sixth inning for the 3-0 advantage. WCU loaded the bases with no outs in the top of the eighth inning, managing to scratch the scoreboard once. In the ninth, WCU got the game-tying runs aboard but were unable to push across the markers in the 3-1 defeat.

Durand (0-2), who was making just his second start of the season, retired the first 11 batters he faced in a row, tossing a perfect 3.2 innings on the mound before issuing a walk which he stranded at first base. The Oak Ridge, Tenn., native tossed 4.1 hitless innings before an infield single gave the home squad their first base knock. All told, Durand matched a career-high with four strikeouts with just the one free pass.

Sophomore LHP Brendan Nail, who has been a starter the bulk of the season, made his first relief appearance on the season. The Greensboro, N.C., native threw three innings out of the bullpen, striking out two while allowing a pair of runs on four hits with a second WCU walk.

Offensively, five different Catamounts (25-28) combined for the team's five singles. Junior Nobu Suzuki punched a single through the right side and came around to score WCU's lone run, finishing 1-for-2. The Tokyo, Japan, product also laid down his WCU single-season record 12th sacrifice bunt.

Redshirt junior Jason Smith, who earned the start at first base, reached twice on Friday as he tallied WCU's first base hit on a single into left field and drew a lead-off walk in the eighth. Classmate Bryson Bowman finished 1-for-4 with a bases loaded RBI on a fielder's choice. Sophomores Caleb Robinson and Spencer Holcomb also singled for the Catamounts.

Kent State starter Andy Ravel (8-4) tossed 6.1 shutout innings to pick-up the victory. Ravel scattered three hits while striking out two, working around a pair of hit batters as Kramer Ferrell was plunked twice. Zach Willeman, the third Flashes' reliever, scored his 12th save of the season after allowing a single and a walk but stranding the game-tying runs on base in the ninth inning.

Designated hitter Zarley Zalewski tallied two of Kent State's six hits, both going for extra bases with a double and a run-scoring triple. Reilly Hawkins also tripled in a 1-for-3 performance, driving a second Golden Flashes run with Dylan Rosa plating the third marker on a single in a 1-for-4 showing.

Game three of the three-game series is slated for 1:00 pm on Saturday, weather-permitting. Fans are encouraged to keep tabs through WCU's social media accounts including on Twitter using the handle, @Catamounts.