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KENNESAW, Ga. - A career day from Kennesaw State outfielder Jackson Chirello catapulted the Owls past West Georgia, 9-4, Tuesday afternoon at Mickey Dunn Stadium at Henssler Financial Field. The senior went 3-for-4 with a career-high three doubles, becoming the first Owl to hit three doubles in a game since Will Howard did so at Jacksonville State on March 2, 2012.
Kennesaw State set the tone early, scoring four runs on three hits in the first inning. The opening frame marked the first of three crooked numbers for the Owls, who added multiple runs in the fifth and eighth innings, as well as a single tally in the third, to pull away from the Wolves.
The Owls totaled 11 hits, led by Chirello's three-hit performance. Wesley Alig, Evan Holstein, Grayson McCollum and Cooper Williams added two hits apiece. Six of KSU's runs were scored by the top four hitters in the lineup, with Charlie Jones and McCollum crossing the plate twice each.
Cole Royer (W, 1-0) made his first start for the Owls after his originally scheduled debut was rained out on Sunday. The Georgia Tech transfer worked 2.0 no-hit innings with two strikeouts, earning the win in a predetermined short outing.
Ryan Gold, Logan Brock, Ryan Renfroe, Jayden Summerville and Nate Helman worked the middle innings, limiting UWG to four runs on five hits over 5.1 innings. Daniel Powell (SV, 1) shut down a late West Georgia rally by inducing an inning-ending double play in the eighth before cursing through a scoreless ninth.
How it Happened
- B1 | The Owls scored four runs on three hits in the home half of the first inning, chasing the West Georgia starting pitcher (4-0, Kennesaw State).
- T3 | A solo home run gave the Wolves their first run of the afternoon (4-1, Kennesaw State).
- B3 | Jones worked a one-out walk before Holstein dropped a single into left field. Wesley Alig then hit a single to deep left-center field, scoring Jones (5-1, Kennesaw State).
- B5 | Three singles and a double added two runs for the Owls (7-1, Kennesaw State).
- T8 | The Wolves rallied to score three runs, but a double play with the bases loaded ended the threat (7-4, Kennesaw State).
- B8 | Chirello opened the inning with a hustle double off the third base bad, later scoring on a sacrifice fly by McCollum. With the bases loaded, Shamaar McDuffie scored on a wild pitch (9-4, Kennesaw State).
Notes from the Diamond
- Kennesaw State is 3-0 for the first time since the 2022 season.
- Tuesday marked KSU's third consecutive win over West Georgia
- The Owls recorded double-digit hits for the third consecutive game to open the season.
- The Black and Gold struck out just one time in the win, the fewest since the Owls struck out once against Austin Peay on April 7, 2023.
- KSU extended its home winning streak to 13 games, now the third-longest active home winning streak in the country.
- Chirello became the first Owl to hit three doubles in a game since Will Howard did so against Jax State on March 2, 2012.
- McCollum and Williams have recorded at least two hits in each of KSU's first three games.
Next Up
Kennesaw State hits the road for the first time this season, traveling to face No. 12 Florida in a three-game set beginning Friday, Feb. 20. First pitch for the series opener is scheduled for 6:30 p.m., with the game airing on SEC Network+.
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.
