By: KSU Sports Information Department
KENNESAW, Ga. – Kennesaw State’s five-game winning streak came to an end last night as the Owls dropped a 5-4 decision to Memphis at Stillwell Stadium in a game that was a lot closer than it perhaps should have been.
Despite striking out 17 times, committing six errors, walking eight batters and hitting three others, the Black and Gold had the tying run in scoring position in the bottom of the eighth inning as they scored twice to close the gap to one run before falling just short.
“We were disappointed in all phases of the game tonight,” said head coach Mike Sansing. “We didn’t pitch well, fielded poorly and our bats were without a plan. With that many mistakes I was surprised that we were able to make a run and have a chance to tie the game. We’re always going to compete mentally, but physically we weren’t there tonight.”
Memphis (4-1) got on the board with a run in the first inning on an RBI-single by Adam McClain, but the Owls answered in the bottom of the inning with a pair of runs on a single to left field by Andy Chriscaden (3-for-4) and an opposite field base hit to right field by Peyton Hart.
The Owls (5-1) held the lead through three innings despite an erratic performance by Josh Carr. The right-hander allowed only one earned run as he was victimized in part by three errors that led to a pair of unearned runs. However, Carr did not help himself as he walked a season-high five batters as Memphis tied the game in fourth and took the lead in the fifth inning.
While Carr struggled, Memphis starter Dan Langfield (2-0) was in control, and for most of the game was dominant. After allowing two first inning runs, Langfield kept the Owls in check with a 16-strikeout performance that included striking out the side in the second and seventh innings.
“He (Langfield) pitched a great game tonight,” added Sansing. “He got stronger as the game progressed and he overmatched our hitters. He was able to take our guys of our plan and he had the upperhand.”
Although the Owls were busy putting themselves in a hole, they were able to get to Langfield in the eighth inning when they struck with a two-run rally. Ronnie Freeman walked and Chriscaden followed with a double to make the score, 5-3, which caused the departure of Langfield.
Drew Fowlkes greeted Memphis reliever Erik Schoenrock with a lofty double to left center field on the first pitch he saw as Shoenrock then hit Peyton Hart in the foot with a sharp slider to put the go-ahead run on base. The inning ended when Sean McClurken struck out swinging on a 3-2 pitch. The Owls went down in order in the ninth inning.
Freeman extended his hitting streak to 35-games with a first inning single as he continues his hold on the longest streak in the nation. Chris Baker pushed his hitting streak to 34 games earlier in the day.
The Owls and the Tigers will play the second game of their three-game series on Saturday afternoon at 1:00 p.m. Tomorrow’s game is Nascar Day presented by Great Clips with anyone wearing a NASCAR shirt or hat will receive $3 admission. Kasey Kahne’s No. 38 Great Clips Nationwide Series Stockcar will be on display outside the stadium beginning at noon.
