March 30, 2007
Box Score
GALLERY
KENNESAW, Ga. - Kennesaw State was unable to overcome three runs in the second and ninth innings as Stetson shutout the Owls, 7-0, on Friday night at Stillwell Stadium.
Corey Kluber (6-0) was lights out for the Hatters (21-9, 5-2 A-Sun), as he pitched his first complete game of the year. The hard-throwing right-hander notched seven strike outs on just three hits en route to his sixth win this season.
Two hit batters led to a big second inning for Stetson (21-9, 5-2) as they put up three runs on four hits. Kennesaw State's (17-10, 2-2) starter Chad Jenkins (1-2) started off the frame by hitting Justin Bass, who then stole second base a batter later.
A Matt Dallas throwing error into right field brought Bass in from second, putting Stetson ahead by a run before even putting a hit on the board. Stetson loaded the bases with one out after Jenkins hit his second batter, Josh Clendenin. A bunt single gave the Hatters their second run and then with the bases still loaded, Shane Jordan singled in Jeremy Cruz to give Stetson an early 3-0 lead.
A lead-off double off the right field wall by Cruz lead to a walk and a bunt single giving Stetson the bases loaded with no outs in the top of the fourth. Bubba Blalock entered in relief of Jenkins and got the Owls out of the jam, keeping the deficit at three.
Stetson struck again in the fifth with an RBI single to left by Brian Pruitt, bringing in his brother, Braedyn, to make the score 4-0.
Kluber took a perfect game into the fifth inning before Owls catcher Jace Whitmer got his first of two singles, giving Kennesaw their first hit of the game.
The Hatters plated three more in the top of the ninth with a RBI double by Casey Frawley and a two-run homer by Cruz to make the final score, 7-0.
The two teams will wrap-up their series tomorrow with a doubleheader beginning at 2:00 p.m.
