Eric Lauer allowed one run on four hits and struck out three through seven innings for his first win of the season, and the Kent State baseball team defeated host Charlotte 4-3 on Friday in the opening game of a three-game series.
The Golden Flashes (5-3) led 2-1 after eight innings and scored two runs in the top of the ninth inning to take a 4-1 lead into the bottom of the ninth.
Reliever Zach Willeman allowed two runs in the bottom of the ninth but was able to retire the 49ers (5-4) for his second save of the season.