Kennesaw State (9-8, 1-2 CUSA) vs. Liberty (13-7, 1-2 CUSA)
Location: Kennesaw, Ga. | Mickey Dunn Stadium at Henssler Financial Field
Friday, March 20 at 6 p.m. (ESPN+)
Saturday, March 21 at 4 p.m. (ESPN+)
Sunday, March 22 at 1 p.m. (ESPN+)
Follow KSU Baseball – X | Instagram
KENNESAW, Ga. - Kennesaw State baseball opens its home Conference USA schedule this weekend with a three-game series against Liberty at Mickey Dunn Stadium at Henssler Financial Field.
Pitching Matchups
Last Time Out
Kennesaw State's bats were on fire in their most recent outing, run-ruling Georgia Southern 16-6 to secure the first season-series sweep over the Eagles since 2023. Ten different Owls recorded hits in the win, led by Josh Gibbs and Grayson McCollum, who each collected four knocks. The 20-hit performance marked KSU's most prolific game since April 27, 2024, at Bellarmine.
The Black and Gold also drew a season-high 10 walks. Kennesaw State showcased its power with seven doubles, the second-most in a single game since the program's move to Division I, while Ty Bayer earned the win, facing the minimum through three scoreless innings.
Rookies Showing Off
Freshmen have made a noticeable impact on both sides of the ball. Jayden Summerville has emerged as a key arm in the bullpen, making the second-most appearances on the team with seven, trailing only Daniel Powell. The Orlando, Fla., left-hander owns a 3.48 ERA and leads the staff with a 0.87 WHIP, issuing just two walks on the season. After being used primarily as a lefty specialist early, Summerville's role has expanded, as he has logged multiple innings in three of his last four outings.
At the plate, Grayson McCollum has been a steady presence, batting .317 with 20 hits, which ranks second on the team, along with four doubles, 12 runs scored and 12 RBIs. Avery Wilson, who has made six starts in center field, has flashed his potential offensively, batting .174 with a double, a home run, five RBIs and seven runs scored while striking out just four times. The Powder Springs native hit his first collegiate home run on March 7 against Samford as part of a historic five-homer day for KSU.
Meanwhile, freshman right-hander Davis Harper made a strong early impression, tossing four scoreless innings with two strikeouts against No. 20 West Virginia on February 27. All three of his first collegiate appearances came against ranked Power Four opponents including Florida, West Virginia and Georgia.
One of the Nation's Toughest Starts
Kennesaw State has proven to be one of the most battle-tested teams in the nation, having faced seven games against ranked opponents to start the 2026 season. According to WarrenNolan.com, the Owls opened the year with the 42nd-toughest schedule nationally, ranking third in strength of schedule within Conference USA.
Trending Upward
After a sluggish start in which he hit just .143 through the first 11 games, Trenton Lyons has come alive over the last six contests. Since March 6, the outfielder is 10-for-23 (.435) with three doubles, a home run, three RBIs and seven runs scored while drawing five walks. Lyons has recorded a hit in each of the last six games, boosting his batting average by 103 points since March 6.
Starters Settling In
On the mound, Cooper McMullen has found his groove, going 1-0 with a 3.48 ERA across his last two starts against Samford and Middle Tennessee. The Georgia Tech transfer tossed five innings of four-hit, one-run ball in the Conference USA opener at Middle Tennessee, marking his second consecutive outing of five innings pitched. While he recorded only one strikeout, McMullen induced 10 groundouts in five innings.
Logan Brock and Nolan Sliver combined for 10.2 innings over the weekend, allowing just three earned runs with six strikeouts. As a staff, Kennesaw State's rotation posted a 2.30 ERA for the weekend, its best showing of the season.
Late-Inning Offense
Kennesaw State's lineup has been particularly dangerous in the late innings, scoring 45 of its 106 runs in the seventh, eighth and ninth innings. The eighth inning has been especially productive, accounting for 26 runs or 24.5 percent of the team's total, while the seventh inning ranks third with 13 runs, trailing only the eighth and first innings which produced 19 runs.
The late-game surge has fueled four come-from-behind victories this season, including a 7-6 rally over No. 20 West Virginia after entering the seventh inning down 6-0.
Offensive Improvement
Overall, the Owls' offense has taken a step forward in 2026, producing more consistently across the lineup than at the same point last season. Through 17 games, KSU has increased its batting average, runs, extra-base hits and slugging percentage.
|
Category
|
2025
|
2026
|
|
Batting Average
|
.268
|
.275
|
|
Runs
|
92
|
106
|
|
Doubles
|
21
|
32
|
|
Triples
|
3
|
4
|
|
Home Runs
|
16
|
19
|
|
RBI
|
80
|
101
|
|
Total Bases
|
231
|
249
|
|
Slugging %
|
.396
|
.451
|
Cashing in Opportunities
KSU has done an excellent job capitalizing in scoring situations, driving in 33 runs in 46 chances with a runner on third and less than two outs, which is a 71.7 percent success rate. Wesley Alig has produced seven RBIs in 10 such opportunities, while McCollum has driven in six in seven chances. The Owls have also been effective with two outs, totaling 36 two-out RBIs on the season, led by Jackson Chirello with seven.
Milestone Watch
Jackson Chirello hit the 48th double of his career on March 7 versus Samford, ranking fifth in Kennesaw State's Division I history. The D-I era record is 57 doubles set by Donovan Cash from 2022 to 2025, while the all-time program mark is 69 by Clint Watters from 2001 to 2004. Chris Cole enters the weekend with 44 career stolen bases, fourth in KSU's Division I era and sixth all-time, needing three steals to move into third in the D-I rankings and fifth all-time.
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 can visit the marketing table on the concourse to pick up a KSU mini bat, while supplies last.
Parking
Fans attending this weekend's games 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.
