Kent State Upsets #13 Tennessee 2-1 in First-Ever Win

The Kent State baseball team just proved that anything can happen when you refuse to give up.

The Golden Flashes stunned 13th-ranked Tennessee 2-1 on Friday at Lindsey Nelson Stadium, marking their first win against a top-25 team since 2022 and their first-ever victory over the powerhouse Volunteers. For a mid-major program facing one of college baseball's elite teams on their home turf, this wasn't just a win. It was a statement.

Tennessee jumped ahead early when Henry Ford launched a home run in the first inning. But Kent State starter Easton Tumis didn't let the rocky start shake him, settling in to hold the Volunteers to just one run over 4.1 innings while his teammates regrouped.

The turning point came in the fifth inning when Kent State's offense finally broke through. Max Humphrey led off with a single and quickly stole second base, setting the stage for what would become a Tennessee nightmare. Sawyer Solitaria followed with another single, moving Humphrey to third.

Then the errors started piling up. A fielding mistake by Tennessee's third baseman allowed Humphrey to score the tying run. Moments later, a throwing error gave Kent State their second run and the lead they'd never surrender.

Why This Inspires

This victory showcases everything beautiful about college sports. Kent State didn't have the national ranking or the home-field advantage. They simply had heart, smart base running, and pitchers who refused to crack under pressure.

Relief pitcher Nick Guidas was absolutely lights-out, throwing three scoreless innings and allowing just one hit. Peyton Williams closed the door by retiring all five batters he faced in the final 1.2 innings, sealing the historic upset.

The Flashes showed remarkable poise on the basepaths too, with three stolen bases that kept Tennessee's defense scrambling all game. Solitaria went 3-for-4 at the plate with a double and a steal, proving that preparation and execution beat reputation every time.

For a program that doesn't often get national attention, this win represents years of hard work finally paying off in the spotlight. Kent State returns Sunday with a chance to win the series against a team that was supposed to dominate them.

Sometimes the greatest victories come when nobody expects them.