By: Michael Goss
KENNESAW, Ga. – Year two of the Ryan Coe era is underway as Kennesaw State baseball welcomes the University of New Orleans to Stillwell Stadium for Opening Weekend. The three-game series begins on Friday afternoon with first pitch set for 4:00 p.m. This will be the first matchup in series history between the two programs.
The Rundown
Matchup: New Orleans Privateers (30-23, 13-11 SLC) at
Kennesaw State Owls (36-28, 19-11 ASUN)
Dates: Feb. 17-19
Site: Stillwell Stadium; Kennesaw, Ga.
TV: KSU Owl Network
Game Notes: KSU
Tickets:
Purchase
Parking: Student Center Visitor Lot, East Deck, Town Point Economy Lot -
Parking Map
2023 Schedule: Click Here
GAMEDAY INFORMATION
GAME ONE – Friday
First Pitch: 4:00 p.m.
KSU: RHP
Nick Zegna
UNO: LHP Tyler LeBlanc
Live Stats |
Watch
GAME TWO – Saturday
First Pitch: 2:00 p.m.
KSU: RHP
Blake Wehunt
UNO: LHP Brandon Mitchell
Live Stats |
Watch
GAME THREE – Sunday
First Pitch: 1:00 p.m.
KSU: TBA
UNO: TBA
Live Stats |
Watch
OPENING WEEKEND SUCCESS
Over the last decade, KSU baseball has posted success on Opening Weekend. Since 2012, the Owls have collected a record of 23-13 in their first series of a new season. Last year, KSU won three-of-four over Morehead State and averaged seven runs per game.
DIAMOND DEBUTS
The Owls will feature many new faces on the diamond in the 2023 campaign. 21 out of the 37 players on this year's squad are in their first season with KSU baseball. This accounts for 57% of the team's roster.
FRESHMAN PHENOMS
Coach Coe and his staff focused on recruiting high school talent during their first, full, recruiting cycle at Kennesaw State. The class features 13 true freshmen and were ranked as the No. 57 class out of 302 Division I programs by Perfect Game USA. Two of these players,
Jackson Chirello and
Tanner Franklin, were also named to the Perfect Game Top 100 Freshmen List prior to the season.
PRESEASON ACCOLADES
Second baseman
Zac Corbin was the lone Owl selected to the 2023 ASUN Preseason All-Conference Team. The Jefferson, Ga. native started 59 games in 2022 and compiled a .304 batting average with six home runs, 10 doubles, one triple and 37 RBI. KSU was also picked to finish second in the ASUN Baseball Preseason Coaches Poll.
SCOUTING THE OWLS
Table Setters
Zac Corbin – Corbin was one-of-five Owls to hit over .300 last season with his .304 batting average. The redshirt sophomore made 59 starts and was slotted in the three-hole of the KSU lineup for 48 of those appearances. Corbin has a great eye at the plate and led the team in walks last season with 35.
Spencer Hanson – Hanson, also known by his nickname 'Sauce', embodies the toughness of the KSU lineup. The KSU designated hitter can be featured anywhere within the lineup and is a tough out at the plate. Hanson finished last spring with a .311 average including 11 doubles, one triple and four home runs.
Power
Donovan Cash – Cash, a 2022 Freshman All-American, is the Owls' power bat that returns to the lineup this spring. The first baseman recorded a .357 average last season with 10 home runs and 21 doubles. Cash, often referred to as 'The Fridge', tied for the team lead with 60 RBI in 2022 and aims to continue the hot start to his KSU career.
SCOUTING THE PRIVATEERS
Table Setters
Kasten Furr – A third team All-Southland selection, Furr ended 2022 with a .317 average including three homers and 26 RBI. The third baseman primarily hit in the leadoff spot for the Privateers and ended last season with 64 runs scored, good for second in the conference.
Miguel Useche – Useche handles the catching responsibilities for UNO and was selected to the 2022 Southland All-Tournament Team. In his first season with New Orleans, the backstop posted a .288 batting average with three home runs and a team-high 16 doubles. He is featured in the middle of the Privateer lineup.
Power
Isaac Williams – Williams put together an impressive season in 2022, with a .271 average and team-high nine home runs. The outfielder was a second team All-Southland honoree and recorded 35 RBI in his sophomore campaign. Williams started 50 games last season and returns as the power threat within the UNO lineup.
WELCOME BACK GIFTS
In honor of baseball being back at 'The Shake", the first fans that enter into the stadium on Friday afternoon will be given complimentary KSU baseball magnet posters. These items will be distributed at the main entrance behind home plate while supplies last.
SUNDAY FUNDAY IN '23
Starting this season, Sundays at 'The Shake' will be buy one, get one free tickets. The deal will also include an opportunity for kids to run the bases on the field following the conclusion of the game. Click
here to purchase!
ON DECK
KSU baseball is back in action next Friday, Feb. 24 for a weekend series with Long Island University. First pitch is set for 4:00 p.m. inside Stillwell Stadium and will be the first meeting between the two teams.
To keep up with the latest on the Kennesaw State baseball team, follow the team on Twitter @KSUOwlNation and @KSUOwlsBaseball or by liking Kennesaw State University on Facebook and Instagram.
