Few northern-based Division I baseball programs have accomplished more in recent years than Kent State, particularly in Scott Stricklin’s seven-year tenure as head coach. Besides a 267-145 record in that stretch, the Golden Flashes have earned four NCAA tournament appearances, including three in a row.
Kent State enjoyed its greatest season ever in 2011, tying a school record with 45 wins while advancing to the finals of the Austin NCAA Regional. That feat was accomplished mainly on the strength of a dominant pitching staff, led by the trio of Andrew Chafin (8-1, 2.02), a supplemental first-round pick of the Arizona Diamondbacks; Kyle Hallock (10-4, 1.95), the Mid-American Conference pitcher of the year; and Kyle McMillen (1-2, 1.80, 18 SV), the MAC saves leader. Besides helping Kent State to a 2.66 team ERA, all were drafted in the first 10 rounds.
The cupboard isn’t completely bare for this year, though, as senior left-hander David Starn (9-3, 2.18), who led the conference with 117 strikeouts in a staff-high 107 innings, is back and will be joined in the rotation by 6-foot-6 right=hander Tyler Skulina, a former top Ohio prep product who spent his freshman year at Virginia, and Cuyahoga (Ohio) CC transfer Ryan Bores, a 28th round pick of the Oakland A’s in last year’s draft.
Kent State’s top two home-run threats have also departed, but the team returns every other regular, including senior catcher David Lyon (.315-9-53) and senior shortstop Jimmy Rider (.281-1-450), who have played instrumental roles in the team’s recent success.
That should be more than enough talent to assure the Golden Flashes of another MAC championship, and fourth straight NCAA tournament appearance.
HOW THEY STACK UP
Overall/conference won-loss records from 2011 indicated; preseason national ranking in parentheses, expectation level denoted -- College World Series= CWS, NCAA Super Regional= SR, NCAA Regional= R