By: Michael Goss
KENNESAW, Ga. – Kennesaw State baseball faces a tough opponent on the road this weekend as the team has a three-games series with No. 10 Clemson set to begin on Friday night. First pitch is scheduled for 5:00 p.m. inside Doug Kingsmore Stadium and will be broadcasted live on ACC Network Extra.
The Rundown
Matchup: Kennesaw State Owls vs. No. 10 Clemson Tigers
Dates: Feb. 23-25
Site: Doug Kingsmore Stadium; Clemson, S.C.
TV: ACC Network Extra
Game Notes: KSU
2024 Schedule: Click Here
GAMEDAY INFORMATION
GAME ONE – Friday
First Pitch: 5:00 p.m.
KSU:
Braden Osbolt
CLEM: Billy Barlow
Live Stats |
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GAME TWO – Saturday
First Pitch: 2:00 p.m.
KSU:
Blake Aita
CLEM: Tristan Smith
Live Stats |
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GAME THREE – Sunday
First Pitch: 2:00 p.m.
KSU:
Smith Pinson
CLEM: Aidan Knaak
Live Stats |
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The Series
Despite close proximity, the Owls and Tigers have met only four times on the baseball diamond with Clemson winning each game. The two teams faced off twice last season with the Tigers earning 6-2 and 15-5 victories.
Bouton's Rare Feat
On Opening Day at UAB,
Isaac Bouton pulled off one of baseball's rarest feats. The senior blasted two home runs in the same inning against the Blazers. The third baseman led off with a solo shot, then added a three-run dinger later in the frame.
Roster Breakdown
The Owls enter the 2024 season with a mixture of veterans and rookies. The team returns 25 players from last year's squad while adding 14 newcomers to The Nest. Out of the 14 new additions, 10 are true freshmen while four are transfers.
Stillwell Stadium Farewell Tour
In September 2023, the Board of Regents for the University System of Georgia approved two major construction projects at Kennesaw State University, one of which included a new stadium for KSU baseball. Plans for the stadium reconstruction include premium and hospitality seating, and the stadium will match the program's aspirations with the ability to host NCAA Regional and Super Regional rounds.
15-Straight MLB Draft Picks
Kennesaw State right-handed pitcher
Blake Wehunt was selected 268th overall by the Boston Red Sox in the ninth round of the 2023 MLB Draft last July. The selection marked the 73rd draft pick in KSU baseball history and extended the streak to 15 consecutive years the Owls have had at least one player drafted (excluding the 2020 COVID-shortened draft).
Cape Cod Success
Kennesaw State baseball sent two players to the prestigious Cape Cod Summer League in
Smith Pinson and
Blake Aita. Pinson dominated all year and was named to the 2023 Cape Cod Baseball All-League Team after posting a 3-1 record with a 2.68 ERA. Aita followed suit with a strong summer and was named a CCBL Top 100 Prospect, per Perfect Game USA. The Canton, Ga. native came in at No. 41 on the list of top prospects.
Finished The Year Strong
Kennesaw State baseball had two players named to the 2023 ASUN All-Conference teams last season.
Jamarie Brooks was selected to the All-Freshman squad and
Spencer Hanson was tabbed a Third Team All-ASUN honoree. This marked the first postseason accolade for each player.
Hanson's Hot Streak
Hanson played in 42 games last season with 38 starts, leading the team in batting average (.369), homers (15), RBI (55) and slugging percentage (.725). He had 17 multi-hit games including reaching four hits on three different occasions. The righty ended the season with 10 hits in three games against FGCU en route to his second ASUN Player of the Week award.
Atlantic Sun Farewell
This season marks the final year Kennesaw State baseball will compete within the Atlantic Sun Conference. On July 1, 2024, the team will move into Conference USA where they will join Dallas Baptist, Florida International, Jacksonville State, Liberty, Louisiana Tech, Middle Tennessee, New Mexico State, Sam Houston, UTEP and Western Kentucky.
On Deck
The Owls travel to Jax State for a midweek against the Gamecocks on Tuesday night. First pitch is slated for 7:00 p.m. ET inside Rudy Abbott Field in Jacksonville, Ala.
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.
