Macon, Ga. – The Kennesaw State Owls dropped a midweek matchup to in-state rival the Mercer Bears on Wednesday evening at Sikes Field, falling 3-1 despite outhitting the Bears. Emma Friedel delivered another solid outing in the circle, and the Owls rallied in the fifth inning to push across a run, but Mercer capitalized on a pair of scoring opportunities to edge out the victory at home.
How It Happened
Kennesaw State had runners in scoring position but couldn't capitalize as they left two runners on base in the top of the second.
Mercer broke the deadlock in the second inning, taking a 1-0 lead. After a bunt single and advancing to third on a sac bunt, the Bears plated a run on a wild pitch.
Both defenses kept the game tight in the middle innings, keeping Mercer from adding to their lead.
In the fifth, Kennesaw State finally broke through to tie the game 1-1. After a leadoff single by Ana Gore, Ty Hardeman followed up with a timely RBI single to left field. The Owls had runners on the corners but couldn't capitalize further as a fly out to center field left the score tied.
Mercer responded in the bottom of the inning with two crucial runs. The Bears tripled to right-center, bringing home two more runs, stretching the lead to 3-1.
Kennesaw State had a couple of chances to rally in the sixth and seventh innings. In the sixth, Ava Guzowski singled to center field, but a double play cut down a potential scoring threat. In the seventh, Kennesaw State mounted a final attempt with two more singles from Macie Howes and Hardeman, but again, the rally fell short as Madison Miller flew out to left field, sealing the game for Mercer.
Quick Hits
- Ty Hardeman went 2-for-3 at the plate, being the only Owl to have a multi-hit game. She has surpassed 100 career hits and 50 career RBIs, helping pace the Owls with 17 RBIs this season.
- Emma Friedel pitched her fifth complete game of the season, adding six more strikeouts to the board.
- The Owls out hit the Bears 6-2.
On Deck
The Owls are set to return to conference play as they travel to Jacksonville, Alabama, to face Jacksonville State. The series will begin on Friday, April 11, at 7 p.m. ET.
