April 20, 2007
Box Score
BOILING SPRINGS, N.C. - Kyle Heckathorn struck out eight batters in seven innings of work as Kennesaw State posted its fifth shutout of the season, defeating the Gardner-Webb Bulldogs, 8-0, at Varsity Field on Friday afternoon.
Kennesaw State (22-16, 6-7 A-Sun) jumped out to an early lead with a run in the first inning and added four more in the second as they chased Bulldogs starter, Webster Beal (1-6), after two innings of work.
While the Owls were busy winning their fourth straight conference game, Gardner-Webb (14-27, 4-12 A-Sun) suffered its ninth loss in 10 games. The Bulldogs also endured their second shutout over the stretch as they have averaged only 1.7 runs during the slump.
Heckathorn (4-1) was again masterful on the mound. The freshman gave up three hits in the first three innings, but then allowed only one hit over his final four innings of work.
The right-hander got stornger as the game continued. After striking out a pair of batters in the first inning, Heckathorn did not register another strikeout until the fifth inning. From that point forward, he struck out two batters in each of the next three frames before leaving after seven innings and sporting a six-run lead.
Jay Morrow and Jacob Robbins led the Owls 13-hit attack with three hits each. Morrow drove in three runs including a two-run single in Kennesaw State's four-run second inning. He added another RBI in the top of the fourth inning as the Owls built a six-run advantage.
Martin Baker and Clint Roques had two hits apiece for Kennesaw State, who had seven of its nine starters get a hit. Jeremiah Lokken had two of the four Gardner-Webb singles; Nate MacDonald and Shea Harris also had hits.
Justin Freeman and Justin Edwards each pitched a scoreless inning in relief for the Owls. Edwards pitched the eighth inning and recorded a pair of strikeouts while Freeman struck out one batter in a perfect ninth inning.
The Owls and the Bulldogs will conclude their three-game series on Saturday afternoon at Varsity Field. First pitch is scheduled for 1:00 p.m.
