March 18, 2007
Box Score
KENNESAW, Ga. - Kennesaw State scored four runs in the bottom of the seventh inning to come-from-behind and defeat the University of Alabama at Birmingham, 7-4, at Stillwell Stadium on Sunday afternoon.
Jacob Robbins (0-for-3) saw his 35-game hitting streak end as the Owls shortstop was hitless in three at bats. The sophomore walked in his first at bat and sacrificed in his second plate appearance before grounding out twice and popping up to left field in the eighth inning to end the streak. Robbins was just six games shy of KSU's record of 41 games, set by Jason Jones during the 1998-99 seasons.
Kennesaw State's win came after five lead changes and four ties as the Owls four-run frame gave them their second straight victory. Dan Dale (1-0) relieved starter Kyle Heckathorn in the fifth inning and pitched a solid three and two-thirds innings of relief to record his first win of the season. Dale was very effective, retiring 11 of the 12 batters he faced, as he allowed just one hit and struck out four batters.
The Owls (14-8) earned the win in the seventh inning. Jerome Wooley (1-for-1) got things started with a pinch-hit single to right field. A wild throw to first base by UAB (9-11) pitcher Ben Styes moved Wooley to third. Martin Baker (2-for-4) tied the game with a two-out single through the right side.
Freshman Jace Whitmer (2-for-4) followed with an infield single and Jay Morrow (1-for-4) greeted reliever Brandon Flaherty with a double off the wall, down the right field line, giving Kennesaw State a 6-4 lead.
Kennesaw State would add their final run of the inning on an error by the Blazers third baseman Ryne Lovedahl. Adam Cross' (1-for-4) grounder was misplayed by Lovedahl and scooted past shortstop Jonathan Merritt into shallow left center field. Morrow scored from second on the play giving the Owls a three-run lead.
Justin Freeman came in to pitch the ninth inning for the Owls and recorded his fifth save of the season as he got Ryan Keedy (2-for-5) to hit into a double play.
Kyle Heckathorn (2-0) started for Kennesaw State and pitched four and two-thirds innings, allowing six hits and four runs with six strikeouts.
Kennesaw State took a 1-0 lead in the bottom of the first inning on a double steals which saw Robbins swipe home as Morrow stole second base. Robbins took off from third base when Morrow left for second base and used an acrobatic slide to get past UAB's Danny Sawyer.
The Owls will head to Florida this weekend to open up the Atlantic Sun Conference schedule against Jacksonville. The Owls and the Dolphins play Friday at 6:30 p.m. and conclude the series with a Saturday afternoon doubleheader.
