Kennesaw State (10-10, 2-4 CUSA) at No. 4 Georgia (20-5, 4-2 SEC)
Location: Athens, Ga. | Foley Field
Tuesday, March 24 at 3 p.m. (SEC Network+)
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KENNESAW, Ga. - Kennesaw State baseball hits the road Tuesday afternoon for its eighth matchup against a nationally ranked opponent, taking on No. 4 Georgia at Foley Field.
Pitching Matchup
Reliable Backstops
Kennesaw State's everyday catching duo of James McGee and Aaron Posey has quietly produced strong starts to the 2026 season, contributing both offensively and defensively.
Posey enters Tuesday's contest in Athens hitting .400 (12-for-30) with a seven-game hitting streak, adding three doubles and two home runs. McGee has also been productive, batting .300 (15-for-50) with three doubles and a team-high four homers, while driving in 13 runs and scoring nine. Behind the plate, the tandem has controlled the running game effectively, limiting opponents to 14 stolen bases in 22 attempts. McGee leads the way with six caught stealings, while Posey threw out two runners in a single game against Liberty.
Battle Tested
Kennesaw State has faced one of the more demanding schedules in the country, playing seven games against ranked opponents to begin the season. According to WarrenNolan.com, the Owls' non-conference slate ranked among the toughest nationally. KSU is also the only Conference USA program to play two weekend series against ranked Power Four opponents, facing No. 12 Florida and No. 20 West Virginia.
The challenge continues moving forward, with remaining contests against Georgia and Georgia Tech, along with nine games against teams that appeared in the 2025 NCAA Tournament.
Death, Taxes and Daniel Powell
Daniel Powell has lived up to preseason expectations, emerging as one of the top relievers in Conference USA. In 10 appearances, Powell owns a 1.57 ERA with a 0.96 WHIP and a .173 batting average against, leading all CUSA relievers in each category. His 25 strikeouts also pace conference relievers.
He leads the league with four wins and is the only pitcher with multiple saves. His performance has also earned him a spot on the College Baseball Foundation's National Pitcher of the Year Award Watch List.
Setting the Table
The Owls have consistently created opportunities at the top of innings, with leadoff hitters reaching base at a 40.4% clip (69-for-171).
Trenton Lyons has been the most effective in that role, reaching base 11 times in 22 opportunities. Jackson Chirello has also contributed, going 9-for-24 in leadoff situations. McGee and Posey have added to that success, combining to go 15-for-23 when leading off an inning.
Trending Upward
After a slow start to the season, Lyons has found his groove at the plate. Since March 6, Lyons is hitting .361 (13-for-36) with four doubles, a home run, seven runs scored and six walks. His recent surge has raised his batting average by more than 100 points.
Late-Inning Offense
Kennesaw State has been especially dangerous late in games, scoring 52 of its 115 runs in the seventh, eighth and ninth innings.
The eighth inning has been the most productive, accounting for 30 runs, while the seventh and ninth innings have also contributed key offense.
That late-game production has fueled five come-from-behind wins, including a 7-6 rally over No. 20 West Virginia after trailing by six runs.
Cashing in Opportunities
Kennesaw State has capitalized on scoring chances, converting 35 of 52 opportunities with a runner on third and less than two outs (67.3%).
Wesley Alig and Grayson McCollum have been key contributors in those situations, combining for 14 RBIs. The Owls have also produced 41 two-out RBIs, with Jackson Chirello leading the team with seven.
Milestone Watch
Jackson Chirello continues to climb KSU's record books, ranking fifth in Division I history with 48 career doubles.
Chris Cole enters Tuesday with 46 career stolen bases, placing him among the program's all-time leaders and within striking distance of multiple milestones.
On the mound, both Harry Cain (99) and Daniel Powell (96) are approaching 100 career strikeouts.
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.
