KENNESAW, Ga. – The Kennesaw State (10-19, 2-2 ASUN Conference) offense returned to form and never trailed in a 6-5 victory against the Eastern Kentucky Colonels (15-13, 0-4 ASUN) inside Bailey Park Friday night.
The Black and Gold recorded six hits, all by different Owls en route to the win.
Starter
Melanie Bennett (5-4) earned her 50th career victory, becoming the third pitcher in Kennesaw State Division I history to achieve the mark.
The Kennesaw, Ga. native pitched 5.0 innings with seven strikeouts in the circle.
The Owls scored first thanks to senior
Taylor Cates. Cates singled to score one run but an infield error by EKU added another, putting KSU up 2-0.
In the next at-bat, the Colonels committed another infield error with
Brinaya Bailey at the plate to score two more Owl runs, extended the Black and Gold lead to 4-0.
EKU added two runs in the top of the fourth to cut the Owl advantage to 4-2.
KSU responded in the bottom of the frame after
Stella Henry's first-career triple plated
Bella Galloway and
Caroline Shumeyko, putting the Owls back up by four, 6-2.
The Colonels fought back again in the top of the sixth, adding two more runs to get back within two, 6-4. EKU threatened with two in scoring position and none out later in the inning, but relief pitcher
Kenley Hilleary collected all three outs without allowing additional opposing runs.
The road team added another run in the top of the seventh to make it a one-score game but Hilleary and the KSU defense ended the Colonel rally there.
Hilleary earned her first career save pitching 2.0 innings with only one earned run and three strikeouts.
GAME NOTES
>> Bennett is the third Owl in KSU Division I history to record 50 wins.
>> Hilleary's save was the second for Kennesaw State this season.
>> Cates extended her team-leading hit streak to a fourth consecutive game.
ON DECK
The Owls are back in action for 'Capes and Crowns Day' against the Colonels Saturday, Mar. 25 at 3:00 p.m. Fans are encouraged to dress up as their favorite hero and will be able to take photos with costumed heroes.
Fans can catch the action on the KSU Owl Network and admission is free for all home games during the 2023 KSU softball season.
To keep up with the latest Kennesaw State softball news follow the team on Twitter @KSUOwlNation and @KSUOwlsSB or by liking Kennesaw State University on Facebook.
