By: KSU Sports Information
Game Notes I
Listen Live I
Live Stats
KENNESAW, Ga. – The Kennesaw State baseball team will open their 2012 season with four games at Stillwell Stadium beginning Feb. 17. The Owls will open against two first time opponents, as they welcome Bradley University and Virginia Tech to the Shake.
The Black and Gold will open the 2012 campaign on Friday with a double-header begining at 4:00 p.m. against Bradley with Opening Day Ceremonies prior to first pitch against the Braves, and will be followed by a 7:30 p.m. start against Virginia Tech and another double-header on Sunday with games at 12 p.m. and 3p.m. The Braves return a squad that went 22-32 overall, and 4-17 in MVC conference play, while the Hokies finished with a 30-25 overall record and 11-19 in ACC conference play.
This marks the seventh opener for the Owls in the Division I era, and after an unanticipated finish to 2011, the squad is ready to get back on the field. The Owls, picked third in the Atlantic Sun Conference Preseason Coaches poll, are coming of a 32-25 record last season, and their first ever trip to postseason play.
On the offensive side, their two Preseason All Conference Honorees Aaron Dobbs and Ronnie Freeman will lead Kennesaw. Dobbs was a first team all-conference honoree in 2011 as he hit .303 and emerged as one of the top outfielders in the conference. He ranked among the conference leaders in stolen bases (21) and was second in triples (7).
Freeman, a second team all-conference selection last year, is coming off a remarkable season in which he batted .392 while also hitting safely in a Kennesaw State record 42 consecutive games. His record ranks fourth all time in NCAA Baseball history. The junior was among the conference leaders in every offensive category as he also posted a .622 slugging percentage and .487 on-base percentage, but is also recognized for his defense. College Baseball Insider pegged the star as the best defensive catcher in the A-Sun as well as having the best arm.
The team will return 13 pitchers from last year’s lineup, including top of the rotation guys Josh Carr, Stephen Janas and Zak Griffith. These three will be joined by the addition of junior college transfer Kevin Kyle and Alan Busenitz to solidify the Owls starting rotation.
The Owls are 3-3 in season openers since progressing to Division I play, including a 3-2 win to open the season last year against Ball State. Sophomore Andrew Austin was credited with the win as he, Busenitz, and starter Carr allowed only three hits to the Cardinals.
Check the website as all games are subject to change due to weather issues arising.
Listen Live
All KSU home baseball games can be heard on KSU All-Access including this home opening weekend series as Nathan McCreary and Ben Poplin will be bringing you all the action. Games will also be archived for your convenience.
Promotions
Opening weekend will be filled with promotions contributed by the Kennesaw State athletics department, as Friday will be Facebook Friday. Fans can receive a special discount from the KSU Owl Nation Facebook page, and all fans will receive a team poster. At Saturday’s 4:00 p.m. game against Virginia Tech, the first 250 fans will receive a KSU Owls seat cushion and on Sunday, the first 100 fans will receive a free biscuit from Waffle House. All fans are reminded that this is youth baseball weekend, and all players who wear their jersey or fans that bring their church bulletin to the game will receive free admission.
Weekend Probable Starters
Game 1 • Friday • 4 p.m. • vs Bradley
Bradley: John Nasshan (Jr., RHP, 3-8, 4.55 ERA in 2011) KSU: Josh Carr (Sr., RHP, 5-6, 3.94 ERA in 2011)
Game 2 • Friday • 7:30 p.m. • at Virginia Tech
Virginia Tech: Joe Mantiply (Jr., LHP, 5-8, 4.36 ERA in 2011) KSU: Steven Janas (So., RHP, 2-0, 5.54 ERA in 2011)
Game 3 • Sunday • 11 a.m. • at Bradley
Bradley: Tory Doerr (Sr., LHP, 2-4, 4.14 ERA in 2011) KSU: Kevin Kyle (Jr., LHP, 4-1, 3.06 ERA at Ga. Perimeter)
Game 4 • Sunday • 3 p.m. • at Virginia Tech
Virginia Tech: Marc Zecchino (Sr., RHP, 6-5, 4.66 ERA in 2011) KSU: Alan Busenitz (Sr., RHP, 2-2, 6.83 ERA in 2011)
