The Rockets surged ahead early, posting a 2‑0 lead after four innings, only to watch the Golden Flash answer with a three‑run fifth that turned the tide.
Kent State added an insurance run in the seventh, extending their advantage to 4‑2, and though Toledo managed a single run in the eighth, the deficit proved insurmountable as the ninth inning slipped away.
On the mound, Hayden Frey delivered five solid innings, surrendering three runs on five hits while striking out five batters, and Deron Swanson followed with four shut‑down frames, allowing just one run and five strikeouts.
At the plate, JP Wagner continued his hot streak with an 11th multi‑hit game, going 2‑for‑3, while Cade Baker contributed two hits of his own; Jacob Payne’s RBI single drove in a run in the eighth.
Senior Day Tribute
The series will conclude on Saturday at 1:00 p.m., and before the final game the Rockets will honor seven seniors, marking Senior Day with a tribute that reflects the end of a chapter for the program.