Simpson’s Power On Display As KCU Knights Defeat Kent State Tuscarawas
April 1, 2026
Simpson hit two home runs and drove in six as KCU Knights defeated Kent State Tuscarawas 20-13 on Tuesday. Simpson homered in the fourth and fifth innings.
KCU Knights collected 14 hits and Kent State Tuscarawas had nine in the high-scoring affair.
KCU Knights got on the board in the first inning after Atafua singled, scoring one run.
Walter homered to left field, which helped Kent State Tuscarawas tie the game at one in the top of the second.
KCU Knights jumped into the lead in the bottom of the second when Skelton drew a walk, scoring one run, an error scored one run, and Scott singled, scoring two runs.
KCU Knights added one run in the third after Simpson doubled.
Five more KCU Knights runs crossed the plate in the fourth inning to extend the lead to 11-5. McLaughlin singled, scoring two runs, and Simpson homered to center field, scoring three runs.
Six more KCU Knights runs crossed the plate in the fifth inning to extend the lead to 17-8. Scott singled, scoring one run, Pope singled, scoring one run, an error scored one run, and Simpson homered to left field, scoring three runs.
Kent State Tuscarawas scored five runs on zero hits in the top of the sixth inning. An error scored one run, Ashcraft drew a walk, scoring one run, Salgado hit a sacrifice fly, scoring two runs, and Schofield drew a walk, scoring one run.
Three more KCU Knights runs crossed the plate in the sixth inning to extend the lead to 20-13. Valentine doubled, scoring one run, and Wright homered to left field, scoring two runs.
Ramos earned the win for KCU Knights. The starting pitcher surrendered five hits and three runs over three innings, striking out four and walking three. Kent took the loss for Kent State Tuscarawas. The hurler went two and one-third innings, allowing six runs (three earned) on four hits, striking out two and walking four. Parker, Viana, Phelps, and Sanders each threw scoreless innings for KCU Knights in relief.
KCU Knights '26 collected 14 hits in the game. Scott and McLaughlin each collected multiple hits for KCU Knights. KCU Knights had a strong eye at the plate, piling up nine walks for the game. Scott and Winsted led the team with two free passes each.
