Rockets Outshine the Golden Flashes as Kent State Can't Score in an 8-0 shutout

Photo Credit: Bree Bee

Written By: Sawyer Knierim

Date: May 21st, 2026

The Rockets got off their bus for a crucial game against the 2-seeded Kent State Golden Flashes. Both teams sat in the stands for an hour and a half while Miami (OH) and Northern Illinois played 15 innings in a barnburner. After Northern Illinois finally accepted the win, Toledo and Kent State took the field at 8:11 PM, 2 hours after the originally scheduled 6:05 PM start. By 11:00 PM, the Rockets would walk off the field with an 8-0 win.

In sports, there is nothing worse than having to sit and brew on a matchup for several hours when you should be playing. That did not bother the Rockets, but it seemed to get to Kent State. “This team is mentally in it, and they want to be here,” said Head Coach Rob Reinstetle. “We would have played this game at midnight if we had to.”

Reinstetle said the team “locked in because they knew what they had to do.” After talking to Rob Reinstetle, I would run through a brick wall for the man. I know every ball player would do the same, and they did tonight.

The wind coming off Lake Erie kept balls from leaving the park, but it did not matter. The Rockets relied on chaotic fielding and singles to drive in all 8 of their runs. They started the scoring after JP Wagner drove in 2 runs after a sacrifice ground ball to the first baseman. After a bad throw and ricochet, Liam Arsich and Charlie Scholvin both scored. Scholvin had 2 doubles and was the only Rocket to get an extra-base hit.

Michael Fliss earned the nod today, and he showed why he deserved it. He threw 7 innings, allowing only one hit and striking out 8. “Michael threw the ball well against Kent last time,” said Reinstetle. “He is a good matchup for their predominantly right-handed team.” Fliss proved it tonight. Kent State could not get anything going.

After the game, Nate Gearhart talked with Scholvin, who said that this win was expected. “We know that we can beat any team in the MAC, and we are looking forward to doing it again.” Toledo will be taking on Northern Illinois on Friday, May 22nd. It will decide who plays in the championship game.

The Rockets have been here before. They lost to Miami (OH) in the championship game last season. The difference between this team and last year's is their profound confidence that they can win every game. Everything was clicking for the Rockets today, and if that continues,

they will return to Toledo with some hardware.

WXUT will provide more amazing coverage of Rocket Baseball across our social media pages and online. You can listen to Toledo’s game against NIU at 4:45 online at wxut.com.