Kennesaw State (8-8, 1-2 CUSA) vs. Georgia Southern (5-14, 0-3 SBC)
Location: Kennesaw, Ga. | Mickey Dunn Stadium at Henssler Financial Field
Tuesday, March 17 at 6 p.m. (ESPN+)
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KENNESAW, Ga. - Kennesaw State baseball returns to Mickey Dunn Stadium at Henssler Financial Field on Tuesday, hosting Georgia Southern in a St. Patrick's Day tilt, as the Owls look to sweep the season series with the Eagles.
Pitching Matchup
Last Time We Saw the Eagles
Kennesaw State slugged three home runs as it raced past Georgia Southern, 7-5, in Statesboro on Feb. 24. Nolan Sliver made his first start of the season, striking out six Eagles over 4.0 innings while allowing just two runs. James McGee led the offensive attack for the Black and Gold, going 3-for-3 with two home runs and a double, totaling two RBIs and two runs scored.
Georgia Southern had success at the plate, notching 13 hits on the day, but only four of them went for extra bases. KSU pitching held the Eagles to 4-for-20 (.200) with runners on base and 1-for-9 (.111) with runners in scoring position, leaving 11 runners stranded.
The Owls are in search of their first season-series sweep of Georgia Southern since the 2023 season.
One of the Nation's Toughest Starts
KSU is one of the most battle-tested teams in the nation, having played seven games against ranked opponents. Per WarrenNolan.com, the Owls faced the 34th-toughest schedule in the nation to open the season, ranking as the third-toughest strength of schedule in Conference USA
Death, Taxes and Daniel Powell
After being named to the NCBWA Stopper of the Year Preseason Watch List, right-hander Daniel Powell has lived up to the lofty expectations early in the 2026 season. In a team-high eight appearances out of the bullpen, Powell owns a 1.59 ERA (3 ER/17.0 IP), the 47th-best mark among qualified Division I pitchers and the third-best ERA in Conference USA.
Much of Powell's success has come from limiting baserunners, as he holds a 1.06 WHIP and a .185 batting average against, the top mark among CUSA relievers.
He also leads all CUSA relievers with a 3-1 record and is one of six pitchers in the league with three wins. His two saves also pace the conference, making him the only pitcher in the league with multiple saves this season.
His dominant start also earned him a spot on the College Baseball Foundation's National Pitcher of the Year Award Watch List, becoming the first Owl to receive the recognition since 2013.
Freshmen Making an Impact
Freshman left-hander Jayden Summerville has quickly emerged as one of Kennesaw State's most reliable bullpen arms, making seven appearances on the season - the second-most on the team behind Powell. The Orlando, Fla., native owns a 3.48 ERA (4 ER/10.1 IP) and a team-leading 0.87 WHIP while issuing just two walks on the year. After seeing limited action as a lefty specialist early in the season, Summerville's role has expanded in recent weeks, as he has worked multiple innings in three of his last four outings.
Summerville made an immediate impression in his first collegiate appearances, recording each of his first three career outs via strikeout — one against West Georgia and two at No. 12 Florida. He also turned in the longest outing of his young career in the series opener at Middle Tennessee, tossing 4.0 innings while allowing just one hit and one walk with three strikeouts to earn the first save of his career.
Fellow freshman Grayson McCollum has also made an early impact for the Owls. The Peachtree Corners, Ga., native is batting .281 (16-for-57) with three doubles, 11 runs scored and six RBIs, with his 16 hits ranking third on the team. McCollum has started all 16 games for Kennesaw State this season, making 12 starts at third base and four at shortstop while committing just one error in 46 chances (.978).
Late-Inning Offense
Kennesaw State's offense has come to life in the late innings of contests in 2026, scoring 44 of its 90 runs in the seventh, eighth and ninth innings.
The eighth inning has been particularly productive for the Owls, accounting for 26 runs (28.9%) on the year. The seventh inning ranks as KSU's third-highest scoring frame with 12 runs, trailing only the eighth and first innings (15). KSU has added six runs in the ninth inning this season.
The late-game offensive success has helped the Owls rally for four wins when trailing after six innings.
Cashing in Opportunities
The Owls have done a nice job of capitalizing on prime scoring chances, driving in 28 runs on 48 opportunities with a runner on third base and less than two outs, a 58.3% success rate. Alig has produced seven RBIs in 10 such opportunities, while McCollum has driven in four runs in six chances.
Milestone Watch
Chirello hit the 48th double of his career on March 7 vs. Samford, ranking fifth in Kennesaw State's Division I history. The Division I-era career record for doubles is 57, set by Donovan Cash (2022-25), while the all-time program mark of 69 doubles was set by Clint Watters (2001-04)
Chris Cole enters weekend with 44 career stolen bases, ranking fourth on KSU's Division I career list and sixth on the all-time leaderboard. The Dallas, Ga., native needs three steals to move into third place on the D-I leaderboard and fifth place on the all-time list. KSU's career stolen base record, both all-time and in the Division I era, is 67.
Ticket Information
Tickets are still available for purchase at KSUOwls.com, or by contacting the KSU Ticket Office. Fans making last-minute plans to attend the contest can purchase tickets at the box office, which opens 60 minutes before first pitch. Fans hoping to go home with a limited-edition KSU Beer Stein should secure their seats and stein by purchasing tickets here.
Parking
Fans attending Tuesday's game should park in the East Parking Deck, adjacent to VyStar Arena, and follow posted signage to the main gate of Mickey Dunn Stadium at Henssler Financial Field. A designated ADA Drop-Off zone is located directly in front of Gate 1, on Kennesaw State Univ. Road.
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.
