By: KSU Sports Information
Box Score
NASHVILLE – On an afternoon that started bad for the Owls, things got worse for Kennesaw State as Ronnie Freeman saw his 42-game hitting streak snapped and the Owls lost a lead in the bottom of the ninth inning as Belmont took advantage of three errors to win, 4-3, at Shelby Park.
Freeman’s streak came to an end in the top of the ninth inning. Scheduled to be the fourth batter up in the inning, it didn’t look like Freeman would get a final chance at keeping his streak alive. Jordan Craft and Sean McClurken were quickly retired, but Aaron Dobbs drew a walk on four pitches.
Having already struck out twice in the first and seventh innings, Freeman fell behind in the count, but was able to even the count and two balls and two strikes. A breaking ball missed low to force a full count and the streak ended when he struck out swinging, the first time in his collegiate career he struck out three times in a game.
“I didn’t change anything today,” said a mildly dejected Freeman after the game. “I had an off day, which happens I guess. But, I really enjoyed it [the streak] and I look forward to getting back at it and having a good day tomorrow.”
“What a great run,” said Kennesaw State head coach Mike Sansing on Freeman’s hitting streak. “We are so proud of him and there hasn’t been a better person in our program. The last year or so has been so exciting for us and our fans and now hopefully tomorrow he’ll start a new one.”
The dismay of the top of the ninth inning continued into the bottom of the ninth inning as the Owls one-run lead vanished after Judah Akers led off the inning with a double to left center field off Owls closer J.B. Johnson. Belmont put runners on the corners after a dropped ball at first base by Sean McClurken, who was covering first base on a sacrifice bunt. After a fielder’s choice tied the game an error by shortstop Peyton Hart scored Drew Turner.
“We made a few mistakes in the ninth inning that cost us the game,” said Sansing. “But, we did nothing offensively, except for the third inning, and tonight was a culmination of no offense and not making plays.”
The Kennesaw State offense sparked in the fifth inning as Will Howard led off with a single, moved to second on a sacrifice bunt and then to third on a wild pitch. He scored the Owls first run of the day on an Aaron Dobbs single. After Freeman was intentionally walked, Andy Chriscaden followed with a two-run double.
The Owls (9-5, 3-1 A-Sun) fell behind early as Belmont scored solo runs in the first and second innings off starter Josh Carr. The right-hander, however, settled down and held the Bruins without a run over the next six innings, including retiring the side in order four times while recording a career-high seven strikeouts.
Reigning A-Sun Pitcher of the Week, Chase Brookshire pitched seven solid innings, allowing three runs on seven hits with nine strikeouts as the bruins pitchers made it tough for the owls to make contact. Matt Hamann (2-1) pitched the final two innings without allowing a hit and struck out four batters as Belmont’s staff recorded 13 on the day, including striking out McClurken four times along with Freeman and Drew Fowlkes three times each.
The Owls and the Bruins will play the second game of their three-game series tomorrow afternoon at 2:00 p.m. ET at Shelby Park.
