Box Score (PDF)

KENNESAW, Ga. – Behind a dominant performance from Jake McLinskey on the mound, Kennesaw State won its conference-opener 3-1 over North Alabama.

McLinksey recorded a season-high 116 pitches in 6.2 innings, yielding just one run while striking out seven Lions.

The Owls showed off their power once again in the bottom of the first inning after Jake Franklin launched a home run over the right-field fence to give the Owls the early lead. Both pitchers settled in, as neither team scored again until the fifth inning.

McLinskey battled all night long, stranding six North Alabama players during the six complete innings he threw.

Kennesaw State scored their second run of the game in the fifth frame, when Garrett Hodges showed patience, and drew a bases-loaded walk. Impressive base running turned into the final run for the Owls in the sixth inning after a double steal resulted in Justin Russell crossing the plate.

The Lions plated a run in the seventh inning, but could not claw themselves back into the contest.

Brian Exley earned his first save of the season after pitching 2.1 innings, allowing just one hit.

The Owls look to clinch the series tomorrow (March 23) at 2 p.m.

Notes
• Jake McLinskey moved to 3-1 after picking up the win
• Exley recorded his first save of the season
• Jake Franklin mashed his second home run of the season and ended the night 2-for-3
• Tyler Simon, Justin Russell and David Chabut each recorded a hit
• Franklin and Hodges each picked up an RBI