ROCK HILL, S.C. – Winthrop baseball (4-8) fell 7-5 in the rubber game with Kent State (6-3) Sunday afternoon at Winthrop Ballpark, giving the Golden Flashes the 2-1 series win.

A lead-off home run started off a hot three-run first inning for the Golden Flashes, but the Eagles would answer, including a solo homer from Jake Sullivan in the second to pull within 3-2 after two. Down 7-4 in the bottom of the fourth with two outs, the Eagles had bases loaded with no outs but couldn't capitalize on the opportunity. Winthrop had the tying run at the plate again in the bottom of the seventh, with Tyler Halstead on third and Jake Sullivan up to bat and the Golden Flashes leading 7-5, but couldn't bring it home. Kent State brought in RHP Robert Zeigler to close out the game and the Eagles were unable to make something happen with their last chance in the ninth.

 NOTABLES
- Junior Jake Sullivan's solo home run in the second was his first homer of the season.

- Senior Tyler Halstead matched a season-high three hits (set previously in game one vs. Kent State), including one double. Halstead also led the Eagles with two RBI on the day.

- Senior LHP Riley Arnone steadied the Eagles defense, allowing two hits and no runs in 5.0 innings of relief work.
 
UP NEXT
The Eagles return to Winthrop Ballpark Tuesday and Wednesday this week for two nonconference matchups. Winthrop takes on UNC Greensboro Tues., Mar. 6 at 6 p.m. and The Citadel on Weds., Mar. 7, also at 6 p.m.