By: By Al Barba
Box Score (PDF)
KENNESAW, Ga. – Sophomore shortstop
Kal Simmons went 4-for-7 and drove in four runs to highlight a 20-hit attack as Kennesaw State defeated Middle Tennessee 18-1 in the rubber game of a three-game series at Stillwell Stadium on Sunday.
The Owls (2-1) also received three hits apiece from junior All-American catcher
Max Pentecost and junior third baseman
Matt Bahnick to help Kennesaw State total 33 runs and 43 hits in its opening three games.
Junior right-hander
Nathan Harsh (1-0) was the beneficiary of the Owls' offensive explosion as he worked five innings, scattered six hits, allowed one run, walked two and struck out four.
Kennesaw State opened the scoring with a pair of runs in the second inning that was highlighted by Simmons' two-run single down the left field line. It marked the first of five consecutive innings in which KSU would score.
Kennesaw State scored three times in the fourth, added a run in the fifth, plated three runs in the sixth and capped the scoring with a six-run seventh inning in which it sent 11 batters to the plate.
The Owls' big offensive day came at the expense of eight MT (1-2) pitchers, including starter Garret Ring (0-1), who surrendered seven hits, five runs (three earned), walked one and struck out four in 4 2/3 innings.
During the six-run seventh, Bahnick, Pentecost,
Chris McGowan and
Justin Motley produced runs. Motley had a pinch-hit two-run double and Pentecost added a run-scoring double for the Owls.
Freshman
Gabe Friese made his collegiate debut and threw three scoreless innings of relief, allowing just one hit. Fellow rookie
Mason Ward closed out the game by pitching a perfect ninth inning in his first appearance as an Owl.
Kennesaw State returns to action on Tuesday when it travels to Athens to take on Georgia in its first road game of the season. First pitch is scheduled for 5 p.m. (ET).
To keep up with the latest Kennesaw State baseball news, follow the team on Twitter @KSUOwlNation and @KSUOwlsBaseball or by liking Kennesaw State University on Facebook.
For more information on how to purchase tickets, please call the KSU ticket office at 770-423-6957, or by visiting KSUOwls.com/tickets.
-#GoKSUOwls-
