Box Score
FORT MYERS, Fla. – The Owls dropped game one of their series with Florida Gulf Coast by a score of 9-6 on Thursday night at Swanson Stadium. The loss drops KSU (23-29, 12-16 ASUN) to 7-13 in the all-time series with the Eagles (38-15, 20-8 ASUN).
Blake Wehunt made his team-leading 14th start of the season and tossed 4.1 innings. The right-hander allowed six runs and struck out three to bring his season strikeout total to 80.
Luke Cooper (2-1) followed as the first Owl out of the bullpen. Cooper went 1.2 innings and surrendered three runs (one earned) with two punch outs.
Blake Aita tossed the final two frames and kept FGCU off the scoreboard. The freshman struck out three batters and did not allow a baserunner in his 17th appearance.
The Owls' offense slashed 11 hits and had eight players reach base safely. The team was led by Spencer Hanson who went 4-for-5 with a home run and two RBI. This was Hanson's second four-hit game of the season.
Brayden Eidson was the other Owl in the multi-hit category, as the leadoff hitter finished 2-for-4 with two RBI and a double. Eidson scored one run in the contest and increased his hit streak to five games.
Other offensive notables included Zac Corbin (1-for-5, RBI and run scored), Donovan Cash (1-for-5, RBI), Nick Hassan (1-for-5, run scored), Jamarie Brooks (1-for-5) and Hudson Mimbs (1-for-2, two walks and run scored).
FGCU scored one in the first, but the Owls tied the game when Eidson drew a bases-loaded walk in the second inning. Each team added one run over the next three at-bats to give FGCU a 3-2 lead after three frames.
The Owls tacked on four runs in the fourth, courtesy of an RBI double from Eidson and RBI singles from Colina, Cash and Hanson. This moved Kennesaw State ahead by a score of 6-3.
The Eagles scored two runs in the fourth, fifth and sixth to move ahead 9-6. Neither team would cross home plate over the final three innings to give FGCU the victory.
Kennesaw State is back in action tomorrow night for game two of its series with FGCU. First pitch is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. inside Swanson Stadium and will be broadcasted live on ESPN+.
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.
