THE BASICS
Records: Kennesaw State (13-19, 4-1), NJIT (12-17, 2-2)
Final Score: KSU 5, NJIT 3
Starting Pitching Matchup: LHP Ian Bentley vs. RHP Gabe Friese
Key Players: Griffin Helms (4-for-5, 2 RBI); Corey Greeson (2-for-3, 3 runs); Austin Upshaw (2-for-5); Brennan Morgan (1-for-5, 2 RBI); Justin Motley (2-for-4)
 
Box Score (PDF) | Box Score (XML)

THE STORYLINE: 
· Kennesaw State secured its second Atlantic Sun series victory, defeating NJIT for the second time in as many days with a 5-3 win Saturday afternoon at Stillwell Stadium.
· The Owls got a key pitching performance from Gabe Friese and scored in four innings to secure the weekend series.
· With the victory, Kennesaw State's record improved to 13-19 and 4-1 in the league play, while NJIT dropped to 12-17 overall and 2-2 in the conference.  
 
HOW IT HAPPENED: 
· Kennesaw State's right-hander, a Kennesaw, Ga. native, was impressive throughout his outing, allowing three runs on seven hits in 7.0 frames.
· Friese allowed only two hits and three base runners since NJIT scored three runs in the top of the second inning.
· In fact, the righty faced two over the minimum in the first, third, fourth, fifth, sixth and seventh innings and tossed 66 percent of his pitches for strikes.  
· The two teams battled to a 3-3 deadlock through the first five frames, as Kennesaw State scored single runs in three of the first four frames while the Highlanders countered with a three-run second frame.
· Tied at 3-3, the Owls took advantage of three hits and a two-run RBI single off Brennan Morgan's bat to take a two-run lead.
· The Owls' top of the lineup sparked the offensive, as Corey Greeson (2-for-3, three runs), Griffin Helms (4-for-5, two RBI), Austin Upshaw (2-for-5) and Brennan Morgan (1-for-5, two RBI) combined for nine hits, four RBI and four runs.
· Richard Lovelady pitched a scoreless eighth inning, allowing no hits and issued no walks out of the bullpen.
· Erich Stahl picked up his fifth save of the season, working the ninth inning with a two-run lead.
 
INSIDE THE NUMBERS: 
· For the 18^th time this season, the Owls recorded 10 or more hits in a ballgame.
· Griffin Helms tied a career high for most hits in a single game, totaling four for the second time this season.
· Richard Lovelady made his team-leading 21^st appearance out of the bullpen this season.

QUOTABLE:
"Gabe (Friese) stayed in the zone and did not have a walk on the day. He got ahead of some guys and had control throughout his outing. Griifin Helms had four hits and our top of the lineup produced today. It was good to see and even Justin (Motley) produced at the bottom of the lineup. Our bullpen also came In and shut down NJIT and it is great to have those options."
--Head Coach Mike Sansing 
 
UP NEXT
 The Owls will continue their Atlantic Sun Conference slate with NJIT on Sunday afternoon, wrapping up the three-game series with a 1 p.m. start. Nathan McCreary will have the call on KSUOwls.com.