Eugene Super Regional: Five Reasons Kent State is Ready

The Clutch Factor on Offense and Defense

In the sixth, seventh, and eighth innings, this team has scored 50 or more runs (eight more in the eighth inning). Don’t be confused by looking at the stat sheet with the low 35 number in the ninth inning – with a 18-2 home record, this team doesn’t see that inning much in their friendly confines.

Only one starter has had a complete game on the  year, but 18 saves have been collected by five different bullpens, giving them some slack in case one pitcher doesn’t have it in a short best-of-three series.

They Don’t Get Caught Stealing Bases

Out of the 70 bases that Kent State has stolen, they’ve only been caught 18 times. That’s a conference lead in both categories (surprise). Pinch runner Troy Summers leads the pack with a 20-5 record. The best starter on average is second baseman Derek Todavine with eight stolen bases in 11 attempts.

The Hitting Lineup is Hot

Over the MAC championship and Gary Regional, the Golden Flashes have hit the ball 80 times. 688 balls have been hit in the entire season, and the damage has been done by George Roberts, Jimmy Rider, Evan Campbell, and Nick Hamilton. With the exception of Hamilton, the other three have started all their games they played in (58 or more) and have a batting average of 33 percent or more.

Roberts is the leader in RBIs (62) and Rider will take the walks (32). Hamilton’s numbers may be a bit skewed due to a lower amount of at-bats, but he’s been hitting in every game as a designated or pinch hitter.

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The series begins this Saturday night at 8:00 p.m. PST. All the TV coverage will be on ESPNU and simulcast for web viewing on ESPN3.

Brian Spaen is the lead editor for Autzen Zoo, follow the site on Facebook and Twitter. Read about his love for lacrosse at Around the Crease or get to know him more at The World of Santa Destroy.