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KENNESAW Ga. - Wesley Alig poked a single up the middle to score Chris Cole, lifting Kennesaw State to a 4-3 walk-off win over Liberty Sunday afternoon at Mickey Dunn Stadium. Kennesaw State trailed the Flames 3-1 after seven innings but tied the game in the eighth inning to set up Alig's ninth-inning heroics.
The Owls (10-10, 2-4 CUSA) tallied 12 hits in the win, led by Jackson Chirello, Trenton Lyons, Shamaar McDuffie and Cooper Williams with two hits apiece. Williams' two-run double in the eighth inning tied the game and led the Owls with two RBIs.
Nate Helman and Daniel Powell (W, 4-1) combined to allow just one run over the final 7.1 innings, a solo homer in the sixth. Powell turned in the longest outing of his career, tossing 5.1 innings with three hits, one run, one walk and four strikeouts, as the visitors recorded 10 flyouts during his outing.
How it Happened
- T1 | A two-out double off the wall allowed Liberty to claim an early lead (1-0, Liberty).
- T2 | The Flames added a run on a walk with the bases loaded (2-0).
- B2 | After Williams singled and stole second, Aaron Posey dropped a single into left field to score Williams (2-1).
- T6 | A solo homer extended the visitors' advantage (3-1).
- B8 | After James McGee and Chirello singled to open the inning, Williams hit a double to shallow left, allowing both runners to score and tie the game (3-3).
- B9 | Cole walked and stole second, taking third on a fielder's choice. With two men in scoring position and two outs, Alig poked a single up the middle to win the game (4-3).
Notes from the Diamond
- Sunday marked KSU's second game-winning walk-off hit of the season, both coming in the ninth inning
- The Black and Gold's offense struck out just four times in the win, the fewest number of strikeouts since Feb. 17 against West Georgia (1).
- Powell's 5.1 innings tied his career-long outing, last done at Sam Houston on April 11, 2025
- Posey extended his hitting streak to seven games, hitting 11-for-21 (.524) with three doubles, a home run, five RBIs and five runs scored.
- Chirello has now reached base in 11-straight games, while McGee's on-base streak advanced to nine games.
- ATTENDANCE: 548
Next Up
Kennesaw State hits the road to Athens, Ga., on Tuesday, March 24, to face No. 7 Georgia. First pitch in the midweek tilt is set for 3 p.m., with the contest airing on SEC Network+.
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.
