Box Score
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – Kennesaw State baseball fell to the University of Alabama-Birmingham (UAB) by a score of 12-3 on Saturday afternoon at Young Memorial Field. The rubber match between the Owls (1-1) and Blazers (1-1) is scheduled for tomorrow at 2:00 p.m. ET.
Spencer Hanson drove in three of Kennesaw State's runs with a home run in the third. The Owls' designated hitter finished 2-for-4 with a run scored.
Other offensive notables included Donovan Cash (1-for-4), Nick Hassan (1-for-3, walk) and Zac Corbin (1-for-4, double).
Blake Aita made his first career start after recording 17 appearances out of the bullpen last season. The sophomore tossed three innings and allowed two runs in his season debut.
The Kennesaw State bullpen used four arms over the final five frames. Tyler Franks, Nolan Sliver, Brooks Rosser and Caden Carroll each made their season debuts.
The Owls took the lead in the third when Hanson launched a two-out homer off the building in left field. Earlier in the frame, Shamaar McDuffie and Jamarie Brooks each reached base via a walk, which set up the three-run bomb from Hanson.
UAB cut the deficit to one in the bottom of the frame which pulled the score to 3-2. The Blazers took the lead with two runs in the fifth and added on with two in the sixth.
The game broke open when UAB scored three runs in both the sixth and seventh innings.
Kennesaw State scored one run in the ninth on a fielder's choice which moved the score to 12-4, which held as the final.
KSU baseball is back in action tomorrow for its series finale at UAB. First pitch is set for 2:00 p.m. ET at Young Memorial Field. Probable starting pitchers are Smith Pinson (KSU) and Collin Daniel (UAB).
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.
