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KENNESAW, Ga. - An eight-run eighth inning propelled Kennesaw State baseball to an Opening Day victory over Evansville at Mickey Dunn Stadium at Henssler Financial Field.
Locked in a 3-3 tie entering the bottom of the eighth, the Owls (1-0) erupted for eight runs on seven hits to put the game out of reach. Grayson McCollum and Evan Holstein opened the inning with back-to-back singles before Charlie Jones delivered an RBI single through the left side to score McCollum and give KSU the lead. The Owls went on to drive in runs in five consecutive at-bats as the offense continued to roll.
McCollum paced Kennesaw State in his collegiate debut, going 3-for-5 with an RBI double and two runs scored. Cooper Williams finished 2-for-5 with two RBIs, while Wesley Alig added two RBIs during a 2-for-4 performance.
On the mound, Cooper McMullen was impressive in his first start as an Owl, working a career-long 5.0 innings while allowing just three hits and two unearned runs with a career-high five strikeouts. Daniel Powell (W, 1-0) closed the door with 4.0 innings of two-hit relief, striking out nine to tie his career high.
How it Happened
- B2 | Cooper Williams doubled to left with one out and stole third before Wesley Alig brought home KSU's first run of the season on a fielder's choice (1-0, KSU).
- T3 | A ground-rule double plated a pair of unearned runs for the Purple Aces (2-1, Evansville).
- T6 | With runners on first and second base, an errant throw on a pickoff attempt allowed another Evansville runner to cross home plate (3-1, Evansville).
- B6 | Trenton Lyons tripled to right field, and Grayson McCollum followed with an RBI double to left-center to score the NC State transfer. With two outs, Williams tucked a double just inside the third base bag to score McCollum and tie the game (3-3).
- B8 | Kennesaw State added eight runs on seven hits, including six singles, to break the game open (11-3, KSU).
Spotlight Performances
- Starting pitcher Cooper McMullen worked a career-long 5.0 IP, allowing three hits and two unearned runs with five strikeouts.
- Daniel Powell worked 4.0 innings to close the game, surrendering two hits and striking out nine hitters.
- In his collegiate debut, Grayson McCollum led the Owls with three hits, including an RBI double in the sixth inning.
- Wesley Alig, Trenton Lyons and Cooper Williams each recorded their first multi-hit outings of the campaign.
- Eight different Owls drove in a run in the victory, with Alig and Williams driving in two runs apiece.
- McMullen and Powell combined for 14 strikeouts against just three walks.
Next Up
The Owls return to the diamond on Saturday, Feb. 14 at 4 p.m. against Marshall at Mickey Dunn Stadium at Henssler Financial Field. KSU will celebrate "Mickey Dunn Day" before first pitch and fans can pick up commemorative tickets, commemorative pennants and Valentine's Day chocolates at the marketing table. Fans can catch the action on ESPN+.
The Owls Fund
The Owls Fund is the primary fundraising arm of Kennesaw State Athletics with the goal of supporting our student-athletes, coaches and each of our 18 NCAA Division I programs. Through initiatives such as Legacy Lockers, the Dot Martin Scholarship Golf Classic, sport-specific giving opportunities, general donations and season tickets, The Owls Fund connects fans with KSU's programs and student-athletes. Members receive exclusive benefits such as hospitality seating areas and events at Kennesaw State home games, and more. Join The Owls Fund here and discover more opportunities on how you can support Kennesaw State Athletics.
