LOUISVILLE, Ky. - Kennesaw State (23-17, 13-6 Atlantic Sun Conference) opened up its three-game set with a 7-2 victory over Bellarmine (6-35, 5-14 ASUN) Friday afternoon at Knights Field.

Right fielder Jackson Chirello had three hits in the outing, his most since Feb. 23 in KSU's 18-1 win at No. Clemson. The sophomore posted three RBI and his first homer of the 2024 campaign against the Knights.

He posted a double later in the game, improving KSU's record to 10-0 this season when an Owl has multiple extra-base hits in a single game.

Righty Nolan Sliver (2-2) got the start and threw a career-high seven innings allowing just five hits and two earned runs for his second win of the season. He struck out four batters.

Kennesaw State is now 10-1 in series openers this season and 51-12 under head coach Ryan Coe when scoring at least seven runs. The Black and Gold have won six of their last nine.

The Owl offense earned five free passes in the first inning via four walks and one HBP. The fifth was Chris Cole to lead off the third, followed by his eighth stolen bag of 2024, tying Nate Anderson for the team lead.

Cole advanced to third then Chirello launched the first hit of the game in the form of a two-run homer to right, his first jack of the season. The two teams were tied at two after three.

With Jamarie Brooks on second in the fourth, Brayden Eidson sent a pop single into left, sending Brooks home and putting the Owls back in front, 3-2.

Chirello scored Nick Hassan with a double down the right field line in the seventh, increasing the lead to 4-2.

Cole added another run for Kennesaw State in the eighth on a sacrifice fly to center, scoring Brooks from third.

Hassan and Chirello were in scoring position for KSU when Zac Corbin mashed a single up the middle and improving the Owl advantage to 7-2 with none out.

Reliever Bo Rhudy pitched the final two frames allowing just one hit to seal with win for KSU. He notched his second save of 2024.

UP NEXT
KSU and Bellarmine gear up for game two Saturday, April 27 at 3:00 p.m. on ESPN+.

The Owls return to inside Stillwell Stadium for a rematch against the Georgia Bulldogs Tuesday, April 30. Fans can purchase tickets here. Read Full Article