THE BASICS
Records: Kennesaw State (4-6), Mercer (8-2)
Score Game: Kennesaw State 5 , Mercer 7
Starting Pitching Matchup: RHP Sawyer Gipson-Long vs. LHP Brison Finney
Key Players: Jaylen Smith (1-for-3, four RBI); Taylor Allum (1-for-4, RBI); Max Ryan (1.0 IP, 0 ER); Deviner McCray (1.0 IP, 0 ER)
 
Box Score (PDF)

THE STORYLINE: 
· Four runs batted in by junior 3B Jaylen Smith could not overcome seven runs on seven hits by host Mercer Wednesday evening, defeating the Owls 7-5 at OrthoGeorgia Park in a non-conference showdown.
· KSU dropped to 4-6 on the season, while Mercer improved to 8-2 on through 10 games.

HOW IT HAPPENED:
· Mercer brought seven to the plate in the first inning and capped off the frame with a one-out grand slam to jump out to a 4-0 advantage.
· Kennesaw State responded as Smith, who finished 1-for-3, tallied a career-best four RBI over the following two innings, registering a three-run homer in the second and an RBI bases-loaded walk in the third to knot the ballgame at 4-4.
· The Bears gained control once again, plating single runs in the third and sixth frames to take a 6-4 advantage into the final three innings.
· Allum, a Grayson, Ga., native, cut the Owls' deficit to one with a two-out RBI single to center field, scoring Jake Franklin from second to get within 6-5. He finished the game going 1-for-4 at the plate with and RBI.  
· Mercer scored once again responded with a run in the bottom half, extending its lead to 7-5 and a two-run edge for the second time in the ballgame.
· That proved to be enough as the Owls' bats were held scoreless over the final two frames, allowing the Bears to earn the victory over KSU for the second consecutive evening.
· KSU's bullpen included scoreless outings from LHP Max Ryan (1.0 IP), LHP Nathan Dupree (0.2 IP) and RHP Deviner McCray (1.0 IP), allowing a combined two hits and no runs on the night.
 
TICKETS
The Department of Athletics is offering a 10-game pack for $20 for the remainder of the season, which can be purchased onsite or individual games. You can also do so by CLICKING HERE. You can also reach the ticket box office by calling 470-578-4849 for any ticket inquiries.

Premium home games ($10) include: Samford (March 2), North Florida (April 13), Lipscomb (April 20), Georgia State (May 8), Georgia Southern (May 9) and Clemson (May 15), and are priced $10 for single-game tickets. 
 
UP NEXT
Kennesaw State returns home for a three-game non-conference series versus Samford at Stillwell Stadium. The Owls and Bulldogs are scheduled for a 4 p.m. tilt on Friday, a 2 p.m. dance on Saturday and the series finale for a 1 p.m. start Sunday.