May 4, 2007
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KENNESAW, Ga. - Bubba Blalock was completely dominant for Kennesaw State as the right-hander scattered four hits in a, 3-0, Owls win over Lipscomb in the first game of a three-game series at Stillwell Stadium.
Blalock (2-5), who was making his fourth start of the season, was in control throughout the game. After allowing two hits in the second inning, Blalock only gave up a fourth inning single to Ben Wilkins (1-for-4) and a seventh inning hit to Caleb Joseph (1-for-4) as the Owls snapped their three-game losing streak.
The complete game by Blalock was the first for Kennesaw State since April 8 of last season, a streak of 68 games, when Dan Dale shutout East Tennessee State. Blalock struck out six batters and walked one as he faced just five batters over the minimum.
Lipscomb was able to get a runner to third base twice in the game, but each time Blalock pitched his way out of the jam. Lipscomb (26-21, 10-9 A-Sun) put runners on third base in the second and eighth innings and each time Blalock responded with a strikeout.
The right-hander fanned Andrew Nickerson (0-for-2) in the second inning and then got Ben Williams (0-for-3) swinging over a nasty curveball to end the eighth.
The Owls (25-21, 7-12 A-Sun) struck first in the bottom of the second inning. With the bases loaded and one out, Matt Hopkins (1-for-3) flied out to center field, scoring Clint Roques (0-for-2).
Lipscomb starter Rob Smithson (6-4) was also effective on the mound. While Blalock was controlling the Bisons bats, Smithson allowed Kennesaw State only one-run through seven innings before the Owls got to him for a pair of eighth inning runs.
Jay Morrow (2-for-4) singled with one out in the eighth and then scored when three wild pitches brought him around and put KSU ahead by two runs. A walk to Jace Whitmer (0-for-2) ended Smithson's night and Chris Burnett entered the game for Lipscomb and promptly walked Roques. Matt Dallas (2-for-3) then singled through the left side for a 3-0 lead.
The Owls and the Bisons will conclude their three-game series with a doubleheader on Saturday afternoon. First-pitch is scheduled for 2:00 p.m.
