THE BASICS
Records: Kennesaw State (24-25, 12-4), Stetson (25-24, 9-7)
Final Score: KSU 2, Stetson 6
Starting Pitching Matchup: RHP Mitchell Jordan vs. LHP Chris Erwin
Key Players: Grant Williams (2-for-4); Austin Upshaw (2-for-3); Brennan Morgan (1-for-3, RBI)
 
Box Score (PDF) | Box Score (XML)

THE STORYLINE: 
· Kennesaw State dropped its Atlantic Sun Conference series opener to the visiting Stetson Hatters, 6-2, at Stillwell Stadium at Stillwell Stadium.
· The Hatters scored four runs over the first four innings and never trailed in the ballgame, outhitting the Owls 10-9.
· With the loss, Kennesaw State dropped to 24-25 overall and 12-4 in conference play, while Stetson improved to 25-24 overall and 9-7 in league action.
 
HOW IT HAPPENED: 
· Stetson knocked home a single run in each of the first four frames to offset the Owls' run in the bottom of the third to take a 4-1 lead into the final three innings.
· After allowing four runs (three earned) over the first four innings, Erwin tossed three consecutive scoreless innings to slow the Hatters' bats.
· For the night, Erwin recorded seven strikeouts on the night, allowing three earned runs on 10 hits in 7.1 innings of work.
· Down three, the Owls cut the deficit within half as the senior catcher walked in KSU's second run with bases loaded, but three were left stranded to end the seventh-inning threat.
· The Hatters extended their lead to the largest in the game, plating two unearned runs in the eighth to take a 6-2 score into the ninth frame.
· The middle of the lineup –Grant Williams (2-for-4), Austin Upshaw (2-for-3), Brennan Morgan (1-for-3, RBI), Alex Liquori (1-for-4) and Jeremy Howell (1-for-3)—combined for seven hits and an RBI to lead to offensive attack.
 
INSIDE THE NUMBERS: 
· Richard Lovelady made his 33^rd appearance of the season, a team-high and ranks second in the NCAA.
· Brennan Morgan recorded his team-leading 32^nd RBI of the season in the seventh inning.
· Logan Hutchinson made his 26^th appearance out of the bullpen Friday night, which ranks second on the team behind Lovelady.
 
UP NEXT
 The Owls will continue their series with Stetson Saturday afternoon, and will honor three seniors (Brennan Morgan, Alex Liquori and Justin Motley) before first pitch at 2 p.m. at Stillwell Stadium.