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Murfreesboro, Tenn. – The Kennesaw State Owls opened the series with hard-fought doubleheader against Middle Tennessee. The Owls came up just short, dropping a nail-biting 5-4 decision in Game 1 and a tough 12-2 loss in Game 2.
In the opener, the Owls mounted an impressive four-run rally in the third inning to take the lead. Game 2 saw Kennesaw State attempt a comeback with two runs in the second, powered by Macie Howes' jaw-dropping inside-the-park home run. However, the Owls couldn't overcome the Blue Raiders early lead.
Game 1: MTSU 5, KSU 4
The Blue Raiders took an early lead in the second inning with a solo home run, sending the ball soaring over the right field fence for a 1-0 lead.
Kennesaw State responded in the third inning, igniting a four-run rally to take a 4-1 advantage. Macie Howes reached first on a wild pitch, followed by a walk from Madison Miller and a perfectly executed bunt single by Ty Hardeman to load the bases with zero outs on the board. Hannah Harvey's fielder's choice brought in the first run. Lexie Shaver's double to center field and Ava Guzowski's double to right field added three more runs, electrifying the Owls' dugout.
Middle Tennessee chipped away at the lead, scoring one run in the third and fourth inning.
In the seventh inning, a double to left center and a clutch single put Middle Tennessee runners on the corners. Another single from MTSU sent another runner across home plate to even the score at 4-4. A sacrifice fly brought in the winning run, sealing the 5-4 victory for the Blue Raiders.
Game 2: MTSU 12, KSU 2
Middle Tennessee came out swinging in the first inning, scoring four runs to take an early 4-0 lead. The Blue Raiders capitalized on a series of walks and a hit-by-pitch, followed by a two-RBI double. With a clutch double play, sparked by Jojo Johnson, the inning ended as she snagged a line drive and swiftly doubled off the runner at second.
Kennesaw State responded in the second inning with two runs of their own. Jojo Johnson ripped a double to right center, and Macie Howes followed with a single, advancing to second on a throwing error. The misplay set up Howes' spectacular inside-the-park home run, bringing Johnson across the plate. Madison Miller was walked to first, but the comeback was halted after a flyout closed the inning with a 4-2 deficit.
The Blue Raiders extended their lead in the second inning to 9-2, scoring five more runs, highlighted by a three-run homer.
Despite a strong effort from the Owl's defense, Middle Tennessee's bats remained hot, adding three more runs in the sixth inning with a three-run homer, sealing the 12-2 victory.
Quick Hits
- The Owls scored four runs off six hits in Game 1.
- Emma Friedel pitched two scoreless innings in Game 1. Friedel is just three strikeouts shy of doubling her total from last season.
- Kenley Hilleary pitched four scoreless innings as relief in Game 2
- Macie Howes hit an inside-the-park homerun in Game 2
- Jojo Johnson went 2-for-2 with both hits turning to doubles in Game 2.
- Ava Guzowski drove in runs with both of her hits at the plate.
On Deck
The Owls will return to the diamond in Murfreesboro on Saturday, March 29 at 4 p.m. for the series finale against Middle Tennessee.
