Box Score
CLEMSON, S.C. –Braden Osbolt allowed one hit through six innings and the offense exploded for 18 runs to give Kennesaw State baseball an 18-1 win over No. 10 Clemson Friday night inside Doug Kingsmore Stadium. The victory marked the Owls' highest-ranked road victory in the team's Division I history.
Tonight's results gave KSU its highest-ranked win since Mar. 3, 2021, when the team defeated No. 5 Georgia, 6-4 at Stillwell Stadium on the Kennesaw State campus. This also marked Clemson's worst home loss since 1936 (18-0 vs. Michigan State).
Osbolt's second start of the season was dominant. The right-hander allowed zero runs and only one hit against the Tigers. He retired 15 out of 16 batters through one stretch of the game, including 14 in-a-row.
The offense produced a season-high 20 hits which was highlighted by an eight-run fifth inning. This marked the second time in six games the Owls have scored eight times in one frame. KSU reached the 20-hit mark for the first time since April 30 of last season when it did so against Jacksonville.
For the first time this year, all nine starters recorded at least one base knock in the contest. Kennesaw State had a season-high five batters record multi-hit performances. The offense finished the evening 13-for-31 (.419%) with runners on base and was 10-for-22 (.455%) with runners in scoring position.
Kennesaw State also collected nine two-out RBI's in the contest.
Nick Hassan led the way with a career night. The catcher was 4-for-6 with five RBI and three runs scored. Hassan tied his career bests in both hits and runs batted in against the Tigers.
Donovan Cash added another strong performance as the designated hitter ended 2-for-5 with a home run. Cash scored twice and drove in one run during the win.
Jackson Chirello continued swinging the bat well and put together a 4-for-5 evening with one walk. The outfielder drove in three and scored three times on the night.
Zac Corbin reached base four times in the contest. The second baseman was 2-for-5 with a double, two walks and two runs scored.
Nate Anderson belted two doubles against the Tigers and finished 2-for-4. The center fielder drove in one run and scored twice.
Other notables included Jamarie Brooks (1-for-4, two RBI and run scored), Isaac Bouton (1-for-3, two walks, two runs and one RBI), Brayden Eidson (1-for-6, three RBI and run scored), Shamaar McDuffie (1-for-5 with first career hit and a run scored), Jake Streeter (1-for-1, pinch-hit single with one RBI) and Chris Cole (1-for-1, double and run scored).
For the first time this season, KSU scored in the top of the first inning. Corbin walked and advanced to second on a wild pitch. With two outs in the frame, Chirello singled up the middle to give the Owls an early lead.
An infield single from Cash put a runner in scoring position for Hassan who doubled to right and gave KSU a 2-0 advantage.
Corbin crossed the plate again in the second inning when he registered a two-out single and stole second. Bouton ripped a single up the middle to plate the third run and move the Owls ahead, 3-0.
The top of the third began with Cash leaving the yard to dead-center field. The first baseman hit the batter's eye for his second long ball of the season.
Hassan followed with a double and scored shortly after when Anderson added a two-bagger of his own. This gave Kennesaw State a 5-0 advantage.
The Owls' offense broke the game open with eight runs in the top of the fifth. The inning saw 12 batters come to the plate with KSU earning five hits, two walks and one hit by pitch. Anderson and Corbin each doubled in the frame while Eidson, Hassan and Brooks all singled.
Chirello stroked his third hit of the evening in the seventh. Hassan's hot streak continued as the catcher blasted his first home run of the year to put KSU ahead, 15-0.
McDuffie started the eighth with his first collegiate hit. He later scored on a single from Chirello. Streeter followed with a pinch-hit single that brought home a run and extended the lead to 17-0.
Clemson scored its lone run of the ballgame in the bottom of the eighth with a solo home run.
Cole led off the top of the ninth with a double, then scored on a sacrifice fly from Eidson. This moved the score to 18-1 which held as the final and gave Kennesaw State its highest-ranked road win in the team's Division I history.
Kennesaw State baseball is back in action tomorrow for game two against No. 10 Clemson. First pitch is set for 2:00 p.m. at Doug Kingsmore Stadium and will be broadcasted live on ACC Network Extra.
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.
