BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – Consistent offense propelled Kennesaw State in game two versus Samford 10-6 as the cross-state foes split the Saturday doubleheader at Joe Lee Griffin Field.
Game One
The Owls began the game with a patented two-out spark as
Cooper Williams slashed a double to left-center field and was brought in by
Donovan Cash. The first baseman laced a single to left field, bringing around the game's first run.
The Bulldogs would not be denied in the bottom of the second inning. They scored two runs, taking the Owls' 2-1 lead.
Chris Cole began the third inning with a single toward shortstop, already collecting his second hit of the game.
Samford gathered a barrage of runs as they ballooned the lead to 6-1 in the home half of the fourth inning. They scored another run in the sixth inning, taking a six-run advantage.
The Owls left the bases loaded with 2 outs in the seventh inning ending with a final 7-1 in favor of the Bulldogs in the shortened ballgame.
Game Two
Despite an earlier setback, the Owls soared to dominance in the second game, taking control and showcasing their resilience.
The excitement began when
Donovan Cash stepped up to the plate and launched a solo home run to left field for a solo home run, bringing the game to 1-1 in the second inning.
The thrills didn't stop there. With the bases nearly loaded due to a series of walks,
Nate Anderson and
Jackson Bradfield came through with back-to-back singles, driving in a combined total of four runs in the third inning, putting KSU up 5-1.
The Owls were flying high, but the Bulldogs were determined to keep the game competitive. In the bottom of the third inning, the Bulldogs answered back with a powerful display, hitting three solo home runs and closing the gap between the two teams.
The game remained tight until the seventh inning, when
Cam Suto stepped up to the plate and smashed his second home run of the season, driving in three more runs with his impressive swing. This crucial hit pushed the Owls' score into double digits, solidifying their lead and ultimately securing their victory 10-6.
Spotlight Performances
- Rookie Jackson Bradfield compiled four hits in game two. It's only the second time this year an Owl has earned four base knocks as Williams did so in yesterday's 11-9 win.
- Cash secured a four-hit day with two runs scored and two RBI.
- Daniel Powell went 4.2 innings while only allowing two earned runs and four hits. He earned his second career win and first of the season.
- Cam Suto demolished his second home run of the season, he ended the day with a team-high three RBI.
- Kennesaw States 3-4-5 (Williams, Cash & Anderson) hitters combined for 10 of KSU's 22 hits between both games.
- The Owl offense has averaged 7.3 runs scored per game while reaching double-digit totals twice.
Next Up
The Owls have a chance to secure another weekend series as they take on Samford for the fourth and final game Sunday at 2 p.m.
