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Kennesaw, Ga. – The Kennesaw State Owls were a force at the plate on Tuesday evening at Bailey Park, but their efforts fell just short in a back-and-forth battle, dropping an 8-7 decision to Georgia State.
The Owls showcased their offensive firepower with 11 hits, outpacing the Panthers at the plate. Despite holding a late-game advantage, KSU was edged out after a decisive four-run surge by the Panthers in the sixth inning.
How It Happened
Georgia State struck first in the top of the first inning, loading the bases with no outs. However, the Owls' defense stepped up, with Emma Brinkman leading the charge. Brinkman made two crucial plays at home plate to limit the damage, leaving the inning in 1-0 deficit.
Kennesaw State responded in the bottom of the first, taking a 2-1 lead. Ava Guzowski was hit by a pitch and later scored on an RBI single by Ana Gore. Ava Brooke Strickland followed with another RBI single to right field, driving in Gore.
In the second inning, the Owls extended their lead to 4-1. Brinkman launched a solo home run, and Gore added another RBI single to scratch Hannah Harvey across home plate.
Georgia State fought back in the third, cutting the lead to 4-2 after a triple down the right line and an RBI single to put another run on the board. The Owls' defense remained strong, catching a runner attempting to steal second to prevent further damage.
Lexie Shaver executed a crucial double play on a lineout to first base to send the Owls to the bottom of the fourth.
KSU tacked on another run in the fourth, as Ty Hardeman ripped a triple to left-center and came home on a sacrifice fly by Harvey, extending the Owls' lead to 5-2.
However, Georgia State mounted a comeback in the sixth, scoring four runs to take a 6-5 lead. The Panthers capitalized on key hits, including a double, triple, and a sacrifice fly, marking their first lead of the game.
The Owls didn't go down without a fight. In the bottom of the seventh, Macie Howes crushed a two-run homer, and Strickland followed with a double. Despite the rally, KSU couldn't complete the comeback, as Georgia State's bullpen closed out the game for an 8-7 victory.
Quick Hits
- Kennesaw State tallied 11 hits in the win, with three Owls turning in multi-hit performances.
- Ana Gore reached base in all three plate appearances and extended her hitting streak to five games, marking back-to-back multi-hit outings.
- Ty Hardeman notched her first triple of the season
- Two Owls left the yard. Emma Brinkman blasted her first career home run and Macie Howes crushed her third of the year.
- Seven of KSU's nine starters came around to score.
- The Owls out-hit the Panthers 11-9.
On Deck
Kennesaw State will work to regroup as they are set to open another CUSA series against Louisiana Tech on Thursday, April 17, at 6 p.m. in Bailey Park.
