East Michigan News

Eastern Michigan University's baseball team concluded its regular season with a 13-2 loss to Kent State University at Oestrike Stadium. Despite the defeat, the Eagles secured a spot in the Mid-American Conference (MAC) Tournament as the sixth seed, thanks to Central Michigan's loss to Toledo.

In the game, starting pitcher Emmett Gillies and Eastern Michigan's defense began strong by allowing only one runner on base in the first inning. Catcher Harrison Travis hit a home run, giving EMU an early 1-0 lead. However, Kent State quickly responded with a home run of their own, tying the game.

Kent State dominated from the third through seventh innings, scoring 12 additional runs while nine different EMU pitchers took turns on the mound. EMU managed one more run when Brendan Kleiman hit an RBI single that brought Drew Jones home after his double.

The Eagles' record fell to 20-29 overall and 12-18 in MAC play, while Kent State improved to 37-16 overall and 23-7 in conference games. Travis's home run was his 11th of the season and tied him for second on the team; it also marked EMU's 60th home run this year. Kleiman achieved his 13th multi-hit game of the season, and Jones scored his eighth run of the year with his second double.

This marks Eastern Michigan's first appearance in the MAC Tournament since 2018. Cooper Vance reached a career milestone with his 100th hit during this game. Historically, this was the 135th meeting between Kent State and Eastern Michigan; KSU leads with an all-time record of 85 wins against EMU's 50.

The Eagles will face Ball State in Avon, Ohio on May 21 at 12:30 p.m., marking their entry into the MAC Baseball Tournament.