March 31, 2007
Box Score
KENNESAW, Ga. - Kennesaw State Freshman Kyle Heckathorn pitched splendidly for over seven innings, but Stetson's Jake Hitchcock pitched brilliantly for nine innings as the Hatters defeated the Owls, 3-0, on Saturday afternoon at Stillwell Stadium to sweep the three-game series.
In a classic pitcher's duel, Heckathorn and Hitchcock went batter for batter as the Owls and the Hatters were locked in a scoreless tie through five innings. However, Stetson (22-9, 7-2 A-Sun) broke the tie with a two-out rally in the sixth inning.
After Heckathorn (3-1) retired the first two batters of the inning, Brian Pruitt singled through the left side and then stole second base. After a walk to Aaron Crittenden, Justin Bass lined a 1-0 pitch up the middle to give Stetson a 1-0 lead.
The run was all that the Hatters would need as Hitchcock (2-1), who entered the game with an ERA over five, was shutting down the Kennesaw State offense, allowing just six hits.
Heckathorn, meanwhile, was just as effective. The right-hander struck out a season-high 11 batters in seven and one-third innings of work. The Ringgold, Ga. native lasted until a pair of solo home runs in the eighth inning ended his outing.
Kennesaw State (17-12, 2-4 A-Sun) had its best scoring chance of the game in the bottom of the sixth inning when with one out, the Owls got singles from Jacob Robbins and Martin Baker. With runners on the corners, Hitchcock hit Jay Morrow with a fastball just above the ribs to load the bases. However, freshman Jace Whitmer, grounded into as double play to end the threat.
The Owls wouldn't muster another threat over the final three innings as Hitchcock allowed singles in the seventh and eighth innings before retiring the side in order in the ninth. Hitchcock struck out six batters without walking a batter.
Andrew Martin and Robbins each had two hits to lead Kennesaw State. Stetson received two hit games from Jeremy Cruz, Braedyn Pruitt and Brian Pruitt.
Kennesaw State will be back in action on Wednesday evening, April 4, when they host Troy at 6:00 p.m. at Stillwell Stadium.
