JACKSONVILLE, Fla. - Jacksonville University Baseball came up on the short end against the Kent State Golden Eagles, 7-6, in a game that went 16 innings.
 
The Dolphins (1-1) scored two runs in the bottom of the ninth to force extras, but could not muster any more late-game magic.

In the top of the first inning, the Golden Flashes got a base runner on an error by the third baseman, Kris Armstrong, and drove in the runner on a double to deep right field to give Kent State an early 1- 0 lead. Christian Graham stranded the runner at second as he struck out the side to end the threat.

Jacksonville made some noise in the bottom of the second inning, as Colin Wetterau dropped in a one-out base hit to right field. Following a strikeout, Blake DeLamielleure deposited a single to left field to put runners at first and second with two outs for Chandler Howard. However, the Dolphins stranded the runners there as the Golden Flashes got out of the inning.

A two-out hit batsman, Johnny Barditch, and a base on balls for Armstrong in the bottom of the third had runners on for Hogan McIntosh. Both runners advanced on a wild pitch but again, were left there as the Dolphins stranded two more runners.

In the top half of the fourth, the Golden Eagles loaded the bases on via back-to-back walks and a hit batsman. A single to left scored two more for Kent State, extending the Golden Eagles' lead to 3-0.

For Jacksonville, senior starter Christian Graham went five innings, recording four strikeouts and walking three batters, and giving up runs. Richard Long came in to relieve Graham at the top of the sixth.

A one-out blooping double to left field had Kent State in business again in the top half of the sixth. However, a throw down to the third base by Jacksonville catcher, Colin Wetterau caught the runner stealing. A strikeout by Long got the Dolphins out of the sixth inning.

The Dolphins got something cooking in the bottom of the seventh with a walk and a base hit to left field. A bunt attempt by Blake DeLamielleure went back to the pitcher, who went to third to get the lead runner on the fielder's choice for the first out of the inning. Chandler Howard then dug in and hit a line drive just over the outstretched glove of the second baseman for an RBI single, cutting the Golden Flashes' lead to 3-1. After a two-out walk to Justin Nadeau, Barditch stepped in with the bases loaded. On a 2-2 count, Barditch was plunked on the elbow to score the second run of the inning, making it 3-2 Kent State. Kris Armstrong was due up with the bases loaded and delivered his first hit in a Jacksonville uniform to tie the game at three.

In the top of the eighth, the Golden Flashes were quick to respond with a walk and a hit batter to put runners at first and second with one out. A two-RBI double gave Kent State the lead, 5-3.

Long continued into the eighth inning but was replaced by Chris Lotito after giving up the lead. Long finished the day with one strikeout, two walks in two, and a third inning of work giving up two runs.
After a two-out walk in the eighth, Kent State added to their lead with a base hit to right field making it 6-3. A strikeout ended the top of the eighth inning.

Jacksonville got two runners on with one out in the bottom half of the eighth. An error by the Kent State second baseman scored a run for the Dolphins and cut the Golden Flashes' lead to 6-4.
A lead-off walk to start the Kent State half of the ninth inning once again had the Golden Flashes in business. After a strikeout by Lotito, Leighton Alley came in to pitch to get the final two outs of the ninth. Lotito went one inning striking out three batters and walking two.
 
Jacksonville made a comeback attempt in the ninth inning by getting an infield single by Armstrong to  put runners at first and second with no outs. A base hit by McIntosh loaded the bases with nobody out. Colin Wetterau stepped in and drew a walk that scored a run making it 6-5. A sacrifice fly to center by Ridley tied the game 6-6 to force extra innings.

Alley continued into the 12th inning going 3.2 innings, recording four strikeouts, and not walking any batters. Dakota Stone relieved Alley in the top of the 13th inning.

In the top of 16th, Kent State had runners at first and second with nobody out after a walk and bloop single to left. After Stone recorded his fifth strikeout, a walk would load the bases with only one out. Another walk gave Kent State a 7-6 lead, which held to the finish.

ON DECK

The Dolphins go for the series win against Kent State tomorrow, Sunday, at noon wrapping up the weekend.

THREE STRIKES

1.Tonight tied the fourth-longest game in JU baseball history. They have had one 18-inning, one 19-inning and one 20-inning game as well
2.It was the 25th extra-inning game of Head Coach Chris Hayes' tenure
3.Leighton Alley went 3.2 innings, a career-long outing