COLUMBUS — Matthew Maniscalco doubled in three runs in a nine-run first inning as top-seeded Mississippi State (39-22) beat Kent State 14-4 Sunday to win the NCAA regional baseball championship at Bill Davis Stadium.

        Kent State (32-30), the Mid-American Conference tournament champions and the regional's fourth seed, had never before advanced to a regional final.

        Four Cincinnatians were key players in Kent's run this season: Junior first baseman/relief pitcher John VanBenschoten (Milford), left fielder Eric O'Brien (Summit Country Day), second baseman Chris Welsch (Moeller) and catcher Pat O'Brien (McNicholas).

        VanBenschoten led the nation with 30 home runs this season. Many believe he is a first-round pick — if not the No.1 pick overall.

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