By: KSU Sports Information
Box Score
KENNESAW, Ga. – Florida Gulf Coast pounded out 26 hits as they built an 11-0 lead in the third inning and cruised past Kennesaw State, 20-8, on Friday afternoon at Stillwell Stadium.
Things were rough from the outset when Owls starter Josh Carr (3-4) lasted just two innings as Florida Gulf Coast (18-16, 9-7 A-Sun) scored twice in the first, once in the second and eight times in the third inning.
The Eagles offense was in high gear from the first inning forward as they had a hit in every inning of the game, and two hits or more in eight of nine frames. Each of the nine FGCU starters scored a run, drove in a run and had at least two hits in what was the Eagles most prolific scoring game of the season.
Leadoff hitter Mikel Alvarez had five hits while Tim Roberson drove in four runs to pace an offense that had six players with three or more hits and five players with two or more runs batted in. Roberson just missed hitting for the cycle as he doubled, tripled and homered in five at-bats.
Kennesaw State (20-17, 8-7 A-Sun) did receive another solid afternoon from catcher Ronnie Freeman. The sophomore went 3-for-3 with a two-run, home run to left-center field that bounced off the roof of the Bailey Building and landed on the softball field. Freeman, who also singled in the first and third innings, drove in five of the Owls eight runs.
For the second straight game, Alex Bush pinch-hit for Freeman and hit his first home run of the season, a towering ball of the Bailey Complex in left field, for the Owls final run. The Owls junior catcher has started to hit his stride at the plate. In his last two at-bats, Bush has a two-run double and a home run.
Sean McClurken had a two-hit game with a pair of singles while Ray Anderson extended his hitting streak to 10 games with a single to left field in the sixth inning. Andy Chriscaden drove in his 44th run of the year in the same inning with a single to left field scoring Anderson.
Austin Gaines (3-1) earned the win for FGCU in his first start of the season. The senior right-hander allowed five runs on nine hits with five strikeouts over six innings. Kevin Bryant and Alex Norris combined to throw the final three innings.
The Owls and the Eagles will play the second game of their three-game series on Saturday afternoon at 2:00 p.m. The game can be followed via live stats.
