The Kent State baseball team’s home opener at Schoonover Stadium was spoiled yesterday when the Duquesne Dukes beat the Flashes 3-1.

Kent State (5-10) only managed six hits on the day, with junior Ben Klafczynski adding two hits and one RBI in the team’s fifth-straight loss.

The Flashes scored their only run of the game in the bottom of the first inning on a groundout by Klafczynski, which scored second baseman Jared Humphreys.

“There’s no real explanation, “ Klafczynski said. “We just have a lot to work on as a team to get better.”

The Flashes pitching staff couldn’t find a groove, giving up nine walks to the visiting Dukes. Kent State starting pitcher Addison Dunn (0-1) took the loss, allowing six walks and two earned runs in 1 1/3 innings pitched.

Duquesne sophomore starting pitcher Michael Pelekanos (1-1) gave up one run in two innings pitched, while picking up the win.

The Dukes (3-12) were able to stifle Kent State’s bats by changing pitchers six times.

“It’s tough to get in the groove sometimes,” Kent State designated hitter Jason Bagoly said. “It just happens. It’s part of baseball.”

In the top of the second inning, the Dukes scored twice, making the score 2-1. Duquesne never looked back.

The Flashes weren’t able to capitalize on Duquesne’s two errors, adding to the frustration.

“When we get chances to capitalize, we have to take advantage of it,” Klafczynski said. “We just haven’t been consistent enough.”

In the top of the sixth inning, Duquesne catcher Jared Bowser scored on a wild throw from Kent State catcher David Lyon as Bowser was trying to steal third base.

In the top of the ninth inning, Duquesne designated hitter Rick Devereaux scorched a line drive that hit Kent State relief pitcher Justin Gill in the head. Gill was down for several minutes but walked off the field with the help of team trainers. Gill was taken to Robinson Memorial Hospital after the end of the game for further testing.

The Flashes were unable to mount a comeback in the bottom of the ninth, going down in order.

Kent State returns to action this weekend as the team travels to Rock Hill, S.C. to play Penn State, Columbia and Winthrop in the Coca-Cola Classic.

Contact sports correspondent Brad Tansey at [email protected].