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ATHENS, Ga. - Kennesaw State baseball jumped out to a 9-0 lead and withstood a late rally to knock off No. 4 Georgia, 10-7, Tuesday afternoon at Foley Field. The win was the Owls' first over a Top Five opponent and their first in Athens since 2017.
KSU scored in five different innings, highlighted by a four-run seventh that proved to be the difference. Eight different Owls recorded hits in the victory, led by Grayson McCollum's 2-for-4 day with three RBIs. Aaron Posey and James McGee drove in two runs each, while Jackson Chirello and Trenton Lyons each drove in one.
The Owls' pitching staff stifled the nation's best offense for six innings before the Bulldogs scored four runs in the seventh and three in the eighth to pull within striking distance. Nolan Sliver made the start, tossing 2.0 innings with a strikeout before handing the ball to Ty Bayer. Bayer (W, 3-2) was dominant in relief, tossing four shutout innings before the hosts found success in the seventh inning. On the day, Bayer worked 4.2 innings, allowing four runs on five hits and a walk while striking out four. Harry Cain (Sv, 2) surrendered three runs in 2.1 innings but worked a scoreless ninth to secure the win.
How it Happened
- T2 | Wesley Alig opened the inning by lacing a double to left field, taking third on a single by Chris Cole. Aaron Posey grounded out to shortstop, but Alig raced home to open the scoring (1-0, Kennesaw State).
- T3 | Cooper Williams singled and stole second, scoring when Jackson Chirello snuck a single into right field (2-0).
- T4 | After Cole and Posey walked, Grayson McCollum dropped a first-pitch single into center field to score Cole. Trenton Lyons then grounded into a fielder's choice, but Posey was able to scamper home (4-0).
- T6 | Posey lifted a solo homer to right field to extend the lead (5-0).
- T7 | With runners on second and third and no outs, James McGee doubled to the left field corner, scoring Lyons and Williams. Then, with two outs and two on, McCollum singled to left, driving in McGee and Alig (9-0).
- B7 | The Bulldogs scored four runs on five hits, including two homers, but left the bases loaded (9-4).
- T8 | Jackson Chirello reached on a throwing error with two outs, allowing Williams to score from second (10-4).
- B8 | Georgia added three runs on three hits (10-7).
Notes from the Diamond
- Kennesaw State earned its highest-ranked win in program history.
- The Owls also claimed their first win over a Top 10 opponent since Feb. 23, 2024, when they defeated No. 10 Clemson, 18-1.
- Tuesday marked KSU's first win over Georgia since March 3, 2021, and its first win in Athens since Feb. 28, 2017.
- The win was the Black and Gold's first over an SEC opponent since March 9, 2024.
- KSU is the first team from Georgia to beat the Bulldogs since 2023.
- Bayer worked a season-long 4.2 innings and recorded a season-best four strikeouts.
- Cain's strikeout to end the seventh inning was the 100th of his career.
- Posey extended his hitting streak to eight games, going 12-for-25 (.480) with three doubles, two homers, seven RBIs and seven runs scored.
- Chirello extended his on-base streak to 12 games, while McGee has reached base in 10 consecutive appearances.
- ATTENDANCE: 1,381
Next Up
Kennesaw State heads to Newark, Del., for a three-game series with Conference USA newcomer Delaware, beginning Friday, March 27. First pitch of the series opener is set for 5 p.m., with the game airing 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.
