Dierks, Byers Lift RedHawks Past Kent State in Extras

Sunday, March 29

Kent, Ohio

1 p.m.

Miami University

17-9, 7-5

Kent State

19-7, 9-3

Miami (Ohio)

Kent St.

Dierks, Byers Lift RedHawks Past Kent State in Extras

3/29/2026 5:49:00 PM | Baseball

Box Score

KENT, Ohio – The RedHawks pulled out a late-game comeback Sunday, scoring two runs in the ninth to take Kent State to extras and ultimately win the game 8-5 after totaling three runs in the 10th inning. Carson Byers pitched a scoreless final four innings for Miami, allowing two hits and no walks as Miami completed the come-from-behind effort. Miami improves to 17-9 (7-5 MAC) with the triumph, while Kent State falls to 19-7 (9-3 MAC) with the loss.

HOW IT HAPPENED

Kent State struck first, driving one run home on a single through the left side in the bottom of the first after putting up three hits.
The Flashes delivered even more damage in the bottom of the second, scoring three runs on two walks, a hit and a stolen home plate to take their largest lead of the day at 4-0.
Carson Raether put Miami on the board with a solo homer in the top of the fourth.
Kent State answered with a run of its own in the bottom of the fourth to push their lead back to four runs.
Mason Breidenbach led off the fifth inning with a single for Miami. Dominic Krupinski put the RedHawks back in the ball game with a two-run home run to left field that made it a 5-3 contest.
Troy Benko and Byers held Kent State scoreless in innings five, six, seven and eight to hold the deficit to two runs heading into the ninth.
In the top of the ninth, Diego Cruz led off with a single and advanced to third as Marcus Dierks doubled down the left-field line. Evan Appelwick walked, and with two outs, Tommy Harrison played hero with a single that brought two runners in to score, tying the game at 5-5. Byers held Kent State scoreless in the bottom of the frame to force extra innings.
Christopher Roa led off the tenth for Miami with a single and Breidenbach doubled down the left-field line, putting two runners in scoring position. Krupinski walked to load the bags and Dierks delivered a two-run single to center field, giving Miami their first lead of the day at 7-5. Ryan Novak walked to reload the bases and Drew Phillips walked to push in another run.
Byers immediately sent down three batters, capping off an 8-5 extra-innings victory and handing Kent State their first series loss of the season.

MIAMI GAME NOTES:

Dierks went 2-for-6 with two RBIs and a run.
Appelwick went 1-for-2 with two walks.
Raether went 2-for-6 with an RBI and a run.
Breidenbach went 2-for-5.
Cruz went 2-for-5 with two runs.
Krupinski went 1-for-2 with two RBIs, two runs, and two walks.
Benko pitched four full innings in relief, holding opponents to four hits and one run.
Byers pitched the game's final four innings, holding opponents to two hits and no runs.

UP NEXT:
Miami will stay on the road this week, traveling to Lexington, Kentucky on Tuesday for a solo game versus the Kentucky Wildcats at 6:30 p.m. The RedHawks will return to McKie field on Thursday, April 2, for a three-game series against Ball State.