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KENNESAW Ga. - Josh Gibbs and Grayson McCollum recorded four hits apiece to power Kennesaw State's 20-hit outburst, racing past Georgia Southern, 16-6, Tuesday night at Mickey Dunn Stadium at Henssler Financial Field. The game ended in the bottom of the seventh inning due to the 10-run rule.
Gibbs made his first start since Feb. 24 at Georgia Southern, going 4-for-5 with a double, two RBIs and a run scored, becoming the first Owl to record four hits in a game this season. McCollum later joined his classmate in the four-hit club with his seventh-inning RBI single that ended the game, going 4-for-6 with a double, six RBIs and a run scored. Eight other Owls recorded hits in the win, including Trenton Lyons and Shamaar McDuffie, who each posted a season-high three hits.
After entering Tuesday hitless with the bases loaded (0-for-8), KSU went 3-for-7 in those situations and 5-for-7 with a runner on third and less than two outs. Seven of the Owls' 16 runs were scored with two outs.
Harry Cain worked 2.0 innings with two strikeouts, allowing just an unearned run in his start. Ty Bayer (W, 2-2) faced the minimum in his 3.0 innings of work, striking out two Eagles and walking none.
How it Happened
- B1 | After each of the first three batters reached base, James McGee grounded into a fielder's choice to score Avery Wilson before Grayson McCollum laced a two-run single through the infield. Josh Gibbs snuck a double just inside the first base bag, scoring Cooper Williams (4-0, Kennesaw State).
- T2 | A fielding error allowed the Eagles to score an unearned run (4-1).
- B2 | James McGee lifted a double to right-center field, scoring Trenton Lyons (5-1).
- B3 | With the bases again loaded, McGee was hit by a pitch and Williams walked to drive in a run before McCollum cleared the bases with a double into the right field corner (10-1).
- B4 | Wilson doubled to right field, taking third base on a fielding error which allowed Shamaar McDuffie to score. Lyons then won a nine-pitch battle, poking a single through the right side to score Wilson (12-1).
- T6 | The Eagles lifted a two-run home run (12-3).
- B6 | With runners first and second with no outs, Gibbs singled to center field, driving in Aaron Posey before McDuffie and Chris Cole recorded RBI base hits (15-3).
- T7 | A pair of walks with the bases loaded and a sacrifice fly allowed Georgia Southern to pull within 10 runs (15-6).
- B7 | With the bases again loaded, McCollum dropped a single into left field to score Jackson Chirello and secure the run-rule win (16-6).
Notes from the Diamond
- Kennesaw State earned a season-series sweep over Georgia Southern for the first time since the 2023 season.
- The Black and Gold's 20 hits on Tuesday night were the most since they recorded 20 hits against Bellarmine on April 27, 2024.
- The Owls earned 10 walks in the win, the most since April 19, 2025, against FIU (11).
- Ten different Owls recorded a base hit in the victory.
- McCollum and Gibbs turned in KSU's first two four-hit games of the season.
- McCollum drove in six runs, the most by any Owl this season, and the most by a freshman since Jamarie Brooks recorded 6 RBIs against Florida Gulf Coast on May 19, 2023.
- McDuffie recorded three hits, tying his career high.
- Chirello advanced his hitting streak to eight games, going 11-for-29 (.379) with two doubles, four home runs, nine RBIs and nine runs scored over that span.
- Lyons extended his hitting streak to six games with his three-hit performance. The Memphis, Tenn., native is 10-for-23 (.435) with three doubles, a home run, seven runs scored and three RBIs during that stretch.
- ATTENDANCE: 642
Next Up
Kennesaw State welcomes Liberty for its first Conference USA series at Mickey Dunn Stadium at Henssler Financial Field. The three-game series opens on Friday, March 20 at 6 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.
