Box Score (XML) | Box Score (.PDF) | Photo Gallery (Greg Ranallo)
 
Atlanta, Ga. – The Kennesaw State baseball team exploded for seven runs in the sixth inning to help defeat crosstown rival Georgia Tech Tuesday (April 21) evening at Russ Chandler Stadium, 11-6. With the win, it marked the first time in program history the Owls defeated the Yellow Jackets in back-to-back seasons on the road.

"Last year we beat them and for us to come back this year and bet them again, it's a great feeling. Anytime you can win on the road it's a good day and I am proud of our guys," head coach Mike Sansing said.

KSU had nine different players record at least one hit in the game, as Colin Bennett (2-for-2, one RBI), Alex Liquori (1-for-4, three RBI) and Jeremy Howell (2-for-5, one RBI) lead the Owls' lineup. In all, seven KSU players totaled at least one RBI in the game while Brennan Morgan scored a game-high three runs.

"Colin Bennett had a double which was a big swing for us. It was nice to see a lot of guys contribute for us tonight," Sansing said.

Trailing 3-1 entering the top of the sixth, the Owls (22-18) placed a crooked seven on the left field scoreboard in what proved to be the difference in the ballgame. Georgia Tech's (24-16) defense recorded three errors in the inning, as five of the Owls' seven runs were unearned.

KSU sent a game-high 11 batters to the plate in the frame, as 10 of the 11 batters reached base. Despite just one hit in the sixth –an RBI double off the bat of Bennett—, the Owls totaled three walks and took advantage of five fielder choices (three errors resulting in the plays) to take a five-run lead over the pesky Yellow Jackets.

"I don't remember the last time we put together that many runs in a single inning. It was an unusual inning for sure," Sansing said. "We wanted to have good at bats and I felt we did a good job laying off pitches out of the zone.

Chris Erwin (4-2) proved beneficiary of the Owls' offensive explosion, as the lefthander allowed three runs on nine hits over 5.0 innings. Erwin struck out five batters during his outing, and pitched out of several key Georgia Tech bases-loaded opportunities early in the game, stranding eight batters on base.

"I thought Chris [Erwin] battled tonight. I thought Georgia Tech had some opportunities early on that could have got the game out of hand but Erwin was able to get some big strikeouts," Sansing said. "Erwin kept us close and controlled the damage and he shut the door until the sixth inning. I thought that was key in the game.

Despite leading by five, Georgia Tech scored three in the bottom of the eight to pull within 8-6 with an RBI single and a two-run homer. The Yellow Jackets totaled two home runs in the game, but it was not enough in the end as KSU placed three insurance runs on the board in the ninth to secure the midweek showdown.

Sophomore righthander Gabe Friese tossed two scoreless innings out of the bullpen. Friese allowed no runs on no hits while striking out two in a solid outing. He tossed a total of 42 pitches, 28 of them for strikes to keep the Yellow Jackets' bats quiet.

Will Lowman came into the ninth inning with a comfortable five-run edge. Taking no chances, the lefthander made quick work in the final frame, not allowing a single run while striking out two, shutting the Yellow Jackets down in order.

Kennesaw State will return to Stillwell Stadium Wednesday evening to host Troy in its second midweek game. The Owls and Trojans will conclude their home-and-home series with first pitch scheduled for 6 p.m.

Season tickets are currently on sale for the full 29-game home schedule at $39 per ticket. Single-game tickets are also available at $6 for adults and $4 for youth (ages 3-12). Group tickets for 10 or more people are available for advanced purchase, excluding the Georgia (Feb. 17), Georgia Tech (Mar. 17) and Georgia Southern (Mar. 24) games when individual tickets will be $10 for adults and $6 for youth. To order season tickets click here, or contact the KSU Athletic Ticket Office at 470-578-OWLS (6957).
 
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.