Rainy MAC Opener Awaits Struggling Falcons at Hot Kent State

KENT, Ohio (Interstat) — A stark contrast in early-season fortunes will be on display Friday when the Bowling Green Falcons visit the Kent State Golden Flashes in a Mid-American Conference opener at Olga Mural Field at Schoonover Stadium.

First pitch is scheduled for the evening, with a forecast of 58 degrees and rain.

Kent State (9-3) enters conference play riding high, having won eight of its last nine games. The Golden Flashes’ offense is potent, averaging over eight runs per game during that stretch. Their most recent win was a 14-9 slugfest against Saint Bonaventure on Wednesday.

Bowling Green (2-6), meanwhile, seeks to reverse a troubling start. The Falcons have lost five of their last six, including an 11-2 defeat at Samford last Sunday where the bullpen provided a rare bright spot.

A key matchup will feature relievers from each side. Kent State will look to right-hander Grant Keffaber, who has been dominant in recent outings. He threw 2 1/3 perfect innings with three strikeouts against Saint Bonaventure.

For Bowling Green, right-hander Micah Smith has been effective in limited work. He pitched a perfect inning with two strikeouts in the loss to Samford.

In the Falcons’ last victory, a 6-5 win at Western Carolina on Feb. 21, first baseman Brady Birchmeier provided the key hit with a home run.

Kent State’s offense has been fueled by consistent contributors like shortstop Luke Matthews and second baseman Grady Mee, who combined for four hits and five RBIs in the midweek win.

The series marks the start of MAC play for both teams. According to Interstat’s game simulator, Kent State is projected to win Friday’s opener by a score of 7-2.

The teams are scheduled to continue the three-game series Saturday and Sunday afternoons in Kent.