Kent State draws a blank in the score column against Regional tournament host and #1 seed Louisville Friday, Golden Flashes look to rally back Saturday with a win over the Kentucky Wildcats.

Flashes youth showed volumes Friday, but maybe it was just the nerves of being put on the big stage abruptly (besides, Louisville had the ultimate home-field advantage with playing this tournament at their own stadium).

Now on to the losers bracket, the Wildcats will be another tough opponent for the Flashes, as they bring the SEC player of the year and potential NCAA player of the year in A.J. Reed

Reed will be fresh as he got the night off Friday in anticipation of advancing to play Louisville Saturday, but things didn’t go as planned for the Wildcats so expect an eager Reed either on the mound or first base.

Keys for the Flashes will be to get their bats going as they were nearly non-existent Friday, as well as containing the streaky Wildcat offense that is known for putting up multiple runs in at any given time.

The scary realization for Kent State is that Kentucky was undefeated against Louisville this season, but the Wildcats are also an up and down ball club, much like the Flashes. Kent State is (0-3) vs. the top 50 this season and Kentucky happens to be in the top 25.

First pitch will be at 1pm Saturday, be sure to tune into ESPN 3, or stay tuned here to Kentwired.com for more Kent State baseball coverage.

Contact Ty Sugick at [email protected].