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KENNESAW, Ga. - After finding itself in a 6-0 hole heading into the bottom of the sixth inning, Kennesaw State baseball scored seven unanswered runs to stun No. 20 West Virginia, 7-6, Sunday afternoon at Mickey Dunn Stadium at Henssler Financial Field.
The Owls' (5-5) comeback started in the sixth inning after Grayson McCollum reached on an error and Wesley Alig walked. An RBI single by Cooper Williams and a wild pitch scored both runners to put the Black and Gold on the scoreboard. Aaron Posey lined a double to open the seventh inning, scoring on an RBI single from McCollum, who scored when Jackson Chirello deposited a homer over the right field fence. Another West Virginia error opened the eighth inning before Williams blasted a two-run shot to right field to give Kennesaw State its first lead of the series.
The KSU bullpen was dominant in relief, working 7.2 innings to close the game. Daniel Powell entered with two on and one out in the second inning and immediately induced a pair of flyouts. The right-hander totaled 3.2 scoreless innings on the afternoon before giving way to Jayden Summerville, who surrendered just one run on a solo homer in 2.0 innings pitched. Harry Cain (W, 2-0) worked the final 2.0 innings for the Black and Gold, allowing just one base runner and striking out the final Mountaineer.
How it Happened
- T1 | The Mountaineers struck first, scoring a pair of runs on two hits in the opening frame (2-0, West Virginia).
- T2 | A three-run home run to right field extended West Virginia's lead (5-0, WVU).
- T6 | The visitors added another run on a solo homer (6-0, WVU).
- B6 | After Grayson McCollum reached on a throwing error and Wesley Alig walked, a wild pitch moved the duo into scoring position. Cooper Williams lined an RBI single into shallow right field to score McCollum, then Alig scampered home on a wild pitch (6-2, WVU).
- B7 | Aaron Posey lined a double into the right-center field gap to open the inning and scored on an RBI single by McCollum. Jackson Chirello then clubbed a home run that just snuck inside the right field foul pole (6-5, WVU).
- B8 | Jamarie Brooks reached on a fielding error, scoring one batter later when Cooper Williams lifted a towering two-run go-ahead home run to right field (7-5, Kennesaw State).
Notes from the Diamond
- Kennesaw State picked up its first win over a ranked opponent since it downed No. 25 Kentucky on March 9, 2024.
- Sunday marked the Owls' first win over a Power Four opponent since March 8, 2025, against West Virginia.
- Cooper Williams became the first Owl to homer in back-to-back games this season.
- Jackson Chirello lifted his first home run of 2026.
- Daniel Powell's 0.73 ERA is the third-lowest among Conference USA relievers.
- Wesley Alig and James McGee extended their reached-base streaks to 10 games and eight games, respectively.
Next Up
Kennesaw State welcomes No. 8 Georgia into Mickey Dunn Stadium at Henssler Financial Field on Tuesday, March 3. First pitch between the Owls and the Bulldogs is set for 6 p.m., with the contest streaming 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.
