By: Michael Pitts
ATHENS, Ga. – Kennesaw State baseball heads to SEC country for the fourth time this season to face the in-state rival Georgia Bulldogs Tuesday at Foley Field.
Head coach
Ryan Coe's squad enters the showdown 4-1 in road midweeks this season. KSU has won five of its last eight this season and currently holds the 8th-toughest non-conference schedule in the country.
The Owls' previous trip at an SEC foe came in March against No. 25 Kentucky, where the Black and Gold took two of three from the Wildcats including a statements in game one (13-1) and game two (10-2). Georgia lost all three of its contests against UK this season.
KSU is seeking its first win in Athens since 2017. The Tuesday matchup concludes a five-game road trip for Kennesaw State.
GAME INFORMATION
Matchup: Kennesaw State Owls (17-13, 7-5 Atlantic Sun) at Georgia Bulldogs (24-8, 5-7 SEC)
Date/Time: April 9, 2024 @ 5:00 p.m.
Site: Foley Field
SEC Network+ | Live Stats
KSU probable Starter: RHP
Halton Hardy (0-0)
UGA probable Starter: RHP Blake Gillespie (0-0)
KSU Game Notes |
UGA Game Notes
2024 Schedule/Results: Click Here
Note: All 2024 game dates, times and probable starters are subject to change.
The Series
Tuesday marks the 35th meeting between the two programs. The Bulldogs hold a 22-11 series advantage, having won each of the last five. UGA took the last meeting in a close 10-9 contest on May 2.
Not a Coe-incidence
On March 28 against Austin Peay, head coach Ryan Coe achieved his 75th win as the leader of KSU and his 40th inside The Shake. He surpassed Mike Sansing's record for fastest time to 75 Division I wins in KSU baseball history by five games.
Up for a Challenge
The Kennesaw State Owls are backing down from no challenges in the 2024 campaign. As of April 8, KSU has the 19th-toughest strength of schedule in the country and the eighth-toughest non-conference slate. The Owls are 10-6 vs. teams with an RPI below 150.
Power Five Slayers
Thus far in 2024, Kennesaw State baseball has produced some maruqee victories. On Feb. 23 at No. 10 Clemson, KSU routed the Tigers, 18-1, - the worst home loss for the Tigers since 1936. It also marked the Owls' highest-ranked win since Mar. 3, 2021 and the highest-ranked road win in KSU's DI history (since 2006). On March 8 and 9, KSU traveled to No. 25 Kentucky and took two of three from the Wildcats by scores of 13-1 and 10-2. As of April 8, Clemson and Kentucky are a combined 55-7 in 2024 - but 3-3 against Kennesaw State.
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.
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
KSU returns to The Shake on Friday, April 12 for game one of a three-game series against Central Arkansas. Fans can purchase tickets
here.
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.
