Ladines pitches perfect game for Flashes in final game of doubleheader

Then a Kent State senior infielder, Maddy Grimm bunts during the double-header against Miami University at the Diamond at Dix on Friday, April 14, 2017. The Flashes lost, 12-4. [FILE]

Samantha Ross

Ronnie Ladines became the third pitcher to pitch a perfect game in Kent State history on Saturday, as the senior threw didn’t allow a baserunner in the Flashes (24, 12-9 Mid-American Conference) 10-0 win over Buffalo (8-43, 3-18) in the final game of their Saturday double-header. 

“Ronnie’s perfect game is a huge career mark,” coach Eric Oakley said. “That doesn’t happen to every pitcher. This is the first time it has happened at Kent State since 2007. That’s pretty amazing.”

The Flashes won the first game by a score of 11-1, thank in part to Holly Speers, who hit two home runs in her first game in a week. Ladines (W, 13-13) also hit a solo home run for the Flashes, while Kellie Abeska drove in three runs. 

Buffalo’s only run was an unearned by Essence Ogagan in the third inning on a pass ball. 

Madi Huck (W, 3-5) pitched seven innings, allowing nine hits and striking out three.  

“Madi had a great outing,” Oakley said. “It’s nice that we’re able to take three games and have the pitching for all three games.” 

The Flashes second game ended after five innings thanks to Ladines performance both on the mound and at the plate. She opened the scoring up in the fourth inning with a three run home run, and then scored a run in the fifth inning, an inning in which the Flashes scored seven runs. Emily Dobbins and Abeska each totaled two RBI in the second game. 

“This was great,” Oakley said of the team’s approach. “Any time you have 27 hits and 21 runs in two games that’s a great day at the plate. Our defense was spectacular and our pitching was top notch. I’m really proud of them. They got three wins and we needed three wins and we got them.” 

Ladines’ perfect game marks the first time a Flash has pulled off such a feat since 2007. 

The Flashes take on Ohio State University this Wednesday at 4 p.m.