BOX SCORE (XML) | BOX SCORE (PDF)
KENNESAW, Ga. - The Kennesaw State baseball team battled the Mercer Bears to the end of a 12-10 game Wednesday in the Stillwell Stadium.
Shortstop Tyler Simon was a major contributor for the Owls (24-12, 12-3), hitting a solo shot and a three-run double against the Bears (24-16); however, Kennesaw State was unable to complete the comeback after making matters difficult for Mercer in the final innings.
The Bears showed just how powerful they were in the early going, earning their first four runs off of a pair of two-run bombs in the opening two innings.
Down 4-0, the KSU bats got going with three-straight base hits off the first three batters of the second inning. Simon then shot a rocket down the right-field, clearing the loaded bases with a double and making it a 4-3 game. The hosts would then take a lead after catcher Tyler Tolve's knock to the outfield landed between the center and right fielders, scoring Jake Coro and Logan Fink. Center fielder Alex Carballo would cap the six-run second inning with a hit to shallow center.
The Bears would outdo the Owls with a seven-run fifth inning to take a 12-6 lead, but the Owls refused to give in.
A wild pitch and two RBI singles into right field off the bat of Garrett Hodges brought Kennesaw State within three.
Down 12-9 in the seventh inning, Simon batted in his fourth run of the game with a big fly into the balcony of the Bailey Complex. This was the middle infielder's second home run of the season and the first since February 28 against Coastal Carolina.
Nick Hassan and Nick Colina reached base in the bottom of the ninth inning, but Mercer put the finishing touches on its 12-10 win in Kennesaw, Ga.
The Owls look to get back in the win column against another in-state foe, as they travel down Interstate 75 for a 6:00 p.m. game against Georgia Tech on Friday. Kennesaw State will play the Yellow Jackets on the road again on Saturday at 4:00 p.m., before heading back to Stillwell Stadium to complete the three-game series on Sunday at 1 p.m.
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.
