Kent State Vs. Kentucky Baseball: Statistical Notes From The 21-Inning Game

When Kent State and Kentucky opened regional play of the NCAA baseball tournament, their matchup seemed innocent enough. The resulting game was anything but ordinary. The two teams played 21 innings with the game lasting 6 hours, 37 minutes. As with any game that goes deep into extra innings, the box score was full of statistical oddities.

Kent State won, 7-6, but not before they blew two saves. They led 5-4 in the ninth inning before Kentucky tied the game at 5-5, then led by a run again in the 18th inning before Kentucky again rallied to tie. Michael Clark, who blew the save in the 18th inning, eventually earned the win by pitching the final 3 2/3 innings.

George Roberts led the way for Kent State with five hits in 10 at bats. Five Kent State batters struck out at least three times, with Nick Hamilton and Derek Toadvine each striking out four times. In all, Flash batters combined to strike out 26 times.

A.J. Reed took the the loss for Kentucky to cap off a rough game for the Wildcats freshman. Reed pitched nine innings in relief, giving up two runs. Reed also went 1-for-9 at the plate for Kentucky, striking out four times. Zac Zellers reached base seven times for the Wildcats, including five hits.

The two teams combined to throw 678 pitches: 453 strikes and 225 balls. In all, there were 182 at bats during the game.

For more on Kentucky baseball, visit SB Nation’s Kentucky blog A Sea of Blue.