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NEWARK, Del. - Cooper McMullen turned in another stellar start on the mound as Kennesaw State baseball took the series opener over Delaware, 8-1, Friday evening at Bob Hannah Stadium. The right-hander tossed 6.0 innings of one-run ball, with the Blue Hens' lone tally coming on a solo homer in the third inning.
It marked the fourth consecutive start in which McMullen (W, 2-2) worked at least 5.0 innings and surrendered three or fewer runs. Daniel Powell (Sv, 3) hurled the game's final 3.0 innings, allowing only two of the eight batters he faced to reach base. The reliable righty struck out three, recording the 100th strikeout of his career with his final punchout of the night.
The Owls' offense stayed hot despite the cold temperatures and heavy wind, scoring eight runs on 13 hits It marked the third straight game in which the Black and Gold recorded at least 10 hits. Jackson Chirello, James McGee, Aaron Posey and Cooper Williams led the way with two hits each, with McGee recording a game-high three RBIs.
How it Happened
- T1 | The Owls struck for two runs before recording the game's first out after James McGee blasted a double off the wall to score Trenton Lyons and Cooper Williams (2-0, Kennesaw State).
- B3 | A leadoff solo home run was the Fightin' Blue Hens' lone run of the day (2-1).
- T5 | Shamaar McDuffie reached on a throwing error, and Trenton Lyons walked before both runners moved into scoring position on a groundout. McGee lifted a sacrifice fly to center field to plate McDuffie, while Wesley Alig poked a single up the middle to score Lyons (4-1).
- T6 | Aaron Posey doubled into the right field corner and later scored on a double play (5-1).
- T9 | The Owls plated three runs in the ninth, highlighted by Trenton Lyons' two-run homer (8-1).
Notes from the Diamond
- Kennesaw State claimed the first-ever meeting between the two programs.
- McMullen's 6.0 innings marked a career high.
- The Georgia Tech transfer turned in his fourth consecutive of at least 5.0 innings with three or fewer runs allowed.
- In CUSA play, McMullen owns a 1.13 ERA (2 ER/16.0 IP).
- Powell notched the 100th strikeout of his career, becoming the second Owl to reach the milestone this week (Harry Cain).
- Posey advanced his hitting streak to a team-high nine games going 14-for-30 (.467) with five doubles, two homers, seven RBIs and eight runs scored.
- Alig's hitting streak reached five games with his fifth-inning RBI single, going 5-for-20 (.250) with two doubles, two RBIs and three runs scored during that stretch.
- ATTENDANCE: 224
Next Up
Kennesaw State looks to clinch the series win Saturday. First pitch for the second game of the series is set for 2 p.m., with the contest 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.
