By: KSU Sports Information Department
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KENNESAW, Ga. – Travis Dean looked like anything but a freshman on Tuesday night as the right-hander earned a win in his college debut, leading Kennesaw State to a victory over Alabama-Birmingham, 3-1, at Stillwell Stadium.
Dean (1-0) helped the Owls stay undefeated as he allowed just two hits and one earned run in four innings of work. The Newton, Mass. native was on a strict pitch count in his first start and left with a, 2-1, lead despite walking two batters while also hitting a pair of UAB hitters.
“I pitched pretty well tonight, but I could always do better,” said the Owls freshman. “I just tried to throw strikes and let my defense help me out.”
The Blazers (1-3) scored first as Michael Busby was hit by a pitch to lead off the second inning. Patrick Palmeiro (2-for-4) followed with a double to left field before Harry Clark’s sacrifice fly made the score 1-0.
Kennesaw State (4-0) tied the game in the third inning when Aaron Dobbs tripled to center field, scoring Ray Anderson who had walked. The Owls would add solo runs in the fourth and fifth innings as Drew Fowlkes (2-for-4) drove in the game-winner with a single that scored Andy Chriscaden (2-for-4) in the fourth. Chriscaden had his third two-hit game of the year and has hit in all four games this season.
In the fifth inning, Ronnie Freeman (1-for-4) singled to right-center field to add an insurance run and extended his hitting streak to 33 games. The sophomore remains tied with Old Dominion’s Chris Baker for the nation’s longest hitting streak. Baker singled in the third inning of the Monarchs, 3-2; win over Richmond earlier in the day.
The Owls bullpen provided another stellar performance as Alan Busenitz, Andrew Austin and J.B. Johnson combined for five shutout innings. Busenitz pitched threw innings, allowing just two hits with two strikeouts.
Austin and Johnson pitched the eighth and ninth innings, reversing the roles they pitched on Sunday as Austin threw the eighth inning while Johnson struck out the side in the ninth for his first save of the season.
The victory gives Kennesaw State its sixth best start in the program's history and the best-ever start in the Division I era. The last time the Owls began the season with four straight wins was in 2003, when they made their final appearance in the NCAA Division II World Series.
The Owls will be back in action on Wednesday evening for their first road game of the year as they visit the state of Alabama to play Jacksonville State. Game time is scheduled for 4:00 p.m. eastern standard time and can be heard live at www.ksuowls.com. Mark Toma will call the action beginning with the pregame show at 3:50 p.m.
