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Kennesaw, Ga. – The Kennesaw State Owls struck early, but a string of home runs by the New Mexico State Aggies proved to be the difference in a 6–2 setback Friday evening at Bailey Park.
The Owls put runners on in five different innings and flashed clean defense, including a slick double play.
How It Happened
Kennesaw State struck first in the bottom of the first inning, as Jojo Johnson worked a walk to reach first base. Macie Howes delivered an RBI single that found a perfect spot in center field, giving the Owls a 1–0 lead. KSU threatened to extend the advantage, loading the bases with two outs, but couldn't push any more runs across.
In the second, Ava Guzowski sparked a game-changing double play, thwarting a potential scoring threat and flipping the momentum in the Owls' favor. Kennesaw's defense stood strong, holding the Aggies scoreless in the inning.
However, NM State responded with authority, launching a series of home runs over the next three innings to take control. The Aggies knotted the game at 1-1 with a solo shot in the third, then surged ahead in the fourth with a two-run blast. They capped off their four-run streak with another leadoff homer to open the fifth, pushing the score to 4-1.
In the sixth, NMSU loaded the bases and capitalized with back-to-back sacrifice flies, plating two more runs for a commanding 6-1 lead.
Kennesaw State battled back in the bottom of the sixth, as Madison Miller and Emma Brinkman both notched singles. Ty Hardeman stepped up to the plate and delivered a sacrifice fly to center, bringing Miller across the plate. However, the Owls couldn't generate enough offense, and the Aggies sealed the victory, 6-2.
Quick Hits
On Deck
The Owls return to Bailey Park to continue their final home series of the 2025 season. The second game of the series will kick off on Saturday, May 3 at 1 p.m.
