Maloney's Big Day Helps K-State Past Kent State, 9-4
Mar 01, 2002 | Baseball
March 1, 2002
Dothan, Ala. - Junior outfielder Pat Maloney connected on a pair of home runs to cap a 4-for-4 performance with a career-high five RBIs and four runs scored, as Kansas State opened the Wiregrass Baseball Classic with a 9-4 victory over Kent State on Friday afternoon at Northcutt Field.
With the win, K-State snapped a two-game losing streak and improved to 5-3 on the season, while Kent State dropped its first contest of the year and fell to 0-1.
"I think we came out and set the tempo early and that was very important," said Wildcat head coach Mike Clark. "We scored two runs in the top of the first inning and just continued to hit the ball well throughout the game. I have said many times that I think Pat (Maloney) is one of the best hitters in the Big 12 Conference and just continues to prove that everyday. I thought pitching-wise, Brock did an excellent job, he just ran into some trouble in the fifth inning. Mitch, I thought, threw the ball exceptionally. Kent State is a very good team. They went to a (NCAA) regional last year, so this is a good win for this team. We continue to get better every day."
Kansas State jumped on the scoreboard first, as junior shortstop Osmar Castillo scored from third base on a Maloney double to center field in the top of the first inning. Two batters later, Maloney scored from third on a double by sophomore first base Ty Soto to give Kansas State a 2-0 lead. The Wildcats pushed their lead to 4-0 in the third inning, as Maloney connected on two-run single to right-center that scored junior outfielder Gabe Luttrell and Castillo for second and third base. Maloney then pushed the lead to 5-0 with a lead-off home run over the left field wall in the fifth inning.
"I just saw the ball really well all day," said Maloney. "I wish I could see the ball that well every day. I just wanted to go out and put five quality at-bats together and I think that I did that today."
Kent State closed the gap in the bottom of the fifth inning with three runs on three hits and an error, highlighted by catcher Pat O'Brien's two-run home run over the left field wall. Kansas State added another run in the seventh inning on Soto's second double of the game then posted three more in the ninth inning on Maloney's second solo home run and junior third baseman Brett Williams' two-run single to left-center field. The Golden Flashes scored their final run on two outs in the bottom of the inning with a RBI-single by Brady Glass.
Maloney led three Wildcats with multiple-hit games, as he posted his second career two-home run performance after the outfielder had two to highlight a 3-for-4 afternoon against Texas Tech on March 18, 2001. Soto went 3-for-4 day with a pair of doubles and two RBIs, while Castillo scored two runs to highlight a 2-for-5 day.
O'Brien paced the Golden Flashes offensively, as he went 3-for-5 with two RBIs and two runs scored. Designated hitter Brady Glass went 2-for-4 with a RBI and a run scored, while outfielder Tom Martin added a 2-for-5 afternoon.
Junior right-handed pitcher Mitch Walter picked up his first career win as a Wildcat, as the junior college transfer held the Golden Flashes to one run (earned) on three hits with four strikeouts in three innings of relief. Wildcat starter Brock Smith pitched 4-1/3 innings and allowed three runs (one earned) on six hits with a season-high seven strikeouts and two walks.
Kent State right-handed pitcher Dirk Hayhurst picked up the loss, as he allowed five runs (four earned) on eight hits with eight strikeouts in six innings of work.
Kansas State continues play at the Wiregrass Classic on Saturday, as the Wildcats play host Troy State (7-6) beginning at 1 p.m. CST at Northcutt Field.
