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Cullowhee, N.C. - Sparked by a lead-off, game-tying home run in the top of the eighth inning, Kent State scored a combined four unanswered runs over the final two innings including a three-spot in the top of the decisive ninth as the Golden Flashes rallied past Western Carolina, taking the series-opener, 7-4, on Friday evening at Childress Field / Hennon Stadium.

The series continues on Saturday afternoon with first pitch at 3 pm. Saturday's game two can be seen on the SoCon Digital Network with live GameTracker also available online at CatamountSports.com.

After falling behind in the top of the first, the Catamounts scored single runs over the next three frames to grab a 3-1 advantage through three complete. WCU tied the game with a run-scoring ground out by freshman Justice Bigbie to plate Cameron Blaquiere in the first. An inning later, Spencer Holcomb touched home as freshman Will Prater beat out an infield bunt single to give the Catamounts the lead, stretching it to two in the third on a sacrifice fly by Holcomb to score Luke Robinson.

However, in the top of the fourth, Kent State designated hitter Patrick Ferguson knotted the game with a towering two-run home run that cleared the batter's eye in centerfield to make it 3-3.

Western Carolina regained a slim, one-run lead in the home half of the seventh as Prater reached on his second single of the day before eventually coming home on a run-scoring single through the left side by Bigbie. Prater finished 2-for-4 with a RBI for WCU.

Kent State's rally began in the top of the eighth as first baseman Brad Hamilton homered to left to tie the game. An inning later, a hit batter and infield error opened the door as the first two batters reached for the Golden Flashes. Pavin Parks then drove in the go-ahead run on a single down the right field line with runners remaining at first and third. Catcher Tim Dalporto then singled to push across a second marker, with the inning's third run scoring on an infield ground out to provide the eventual final tally.

Bigbie finished with his third, three-hit game of his career -- each coming over the past six games for the freshman from Chesapeake, Va., product. He also took over the team RBI lead, plating a pair of runs in the losing effort to give him 14 on the season. Luke Robinson stretched his active hitting streak to four-straight with his third, multi-hit game during the same stretch as he posted a 2-for-4 performance with WCU's lone extra base hit on a first inning double.

Blaquiere also extended his hitting streak to four with a first inning single in a 1-for-5 performance, while Holcomb singled and plated a run on the sacrifice fly.

Kent State's rally thwarted a strong, career-best pitching performance for Catamount redshirt freshman starter, Chase Walter. The Peachtree City, Ga., native scattered nine hits over a career-long seven innings, limiting the Golden Flashes to three runs to exit with a lead. Walter struck out five against one walk with one hit batter. WCU reliever Jake Moebius was touched for the solo home run to start the eighth before giving way to senior LHP Corey Sikes, who stranded the go-ahead run at second base by inducing a pair of ground ball outs.

Sikes (0-1) was saddled with the loss, however, as he was tagged with three runs -- two of which were earned -- in the ninth inning. Senior Jake Niezen recorded the final three outs, allowing two hits with a strikeout.

Kent State reliever Austin Havekost (2-0) picked-up the come-from-behind victory, pitching the final two and a third innings of hitless, scoreless relief out of the bullpen. He only allowed one base runner on an eighth-inning walk -- the first free pass he has issued on the season. Starter Connor Wollersheim was lifted after five innings of work, allowing three earned runs on eight hits with four strikeouts.

Offensively for Kent State, outfielder Nick Kanavas finished 3-for-4 with a pair of runs scored and two stolen bases, while Hamilton also recorded three hits including a home run. Ferguson also homered in a 2-for-5 showing at the dish, with Parks driving in two in a 2-for-4 outing.

Game two of the three-game nonconference series is scheduled for 3:00 pm on Saturday.