Follow KSU Baseball – X | Instagram
MURFREESBORO, Tenn. - Middle Tennessee used a late offensive outburst to race past Kennesaw State, 13-2, in seven innings at Reese Smith Jr. Field on Saturday afternoon.
The Owls (8-7, 1-1 CUSA) brought the tying run to the plate in the sixth inning but could not cut into a 5-2 deficit before the Blue Raiders erupted for six runs in the bottom half of the frame. A two-run homer in the bottom of the seventh inning allowed MTSU to claim the run-rule victory to even the series.
KSU totaled seven hits in the defeat, led by Jackson Chirello's 2-for-2 performance with a home run and a walk. Trenton Lyons was responsible for the other Kennesaw State run, hitting a solo homer of his own in the fourth inning. Charlie Jones, Grayson McCollum and Cooper Williams aided in the offensive effort with a hit apiece.
How it Happened
- B1 | A leadoff walk and a two-run home run to right field gave Middle Tennessee its first lead of the series (2-0, Middle Tennessee).
- B2 | The Blue Raiders added three unearned runs with two outs (5-0).
- T4 | Trenton Lyons hammered his first home run as an Owl (5-1).
- T6 | Jackson Chirello added a solo homer of his own (5-2).
- B6 | The hosts plated six runs on four hits, highlighted by a two-out grand slam (11-2).
- B7 | After the leadoff hitter was hit by a pitch, a two-run blast to right field secured the run-rule victory for Middle Tennessee (13-2).
Notes from the Diamond
- Logan Brock worked a career-long 4.2 innings.
- The Belmont transfer also matched his career-high with three strikeouts.
- Lyons clubbed his first home run of the season.
- With his 1-for-4 day on Saturday, Lyons is 4-for-9 with two RBIs and two runs scored on the weekend.
- Chirello advanced his hitting streak to six games, going 9-for-21 (.429) with two doubles, four home runs, eight RBIs and six runs scored over that span.
- ATTENDANCE: 985
Next Up
Kennesaw State looks to capture the series when it returns to Reese Smith Jr. Field on Sunday. First pitch in the rubber game is set for 2 p.m., with the game streaming on ESPN+.
The Champions Fund
The Champions Fund is a newly created, 100% tax deductible, philanthropic opportunity to contribute strategic revenue to Kennesaw State Athletics, with the goal of strengthening our ability to recruit and retain top-tier talent in this new era of collegiate athletics. Contributions to the Champions Fund will help aid in funding student-athlete recruitment and retention, as well as helping the Owls provide competitive excellence through investments in coaching, travel and facilities. The fund will also give an elevated student-athlete experience, including enhanced academic, nutrition, wellness and leadership programs. Donate to the Champions Fund here and help us support our Kennesaw State Owls.
