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MIAMI, Fla. - FIU used a trio of perfectly placed singles and a hard-hit double to score two runs in the eighth inning to down Kennesaw State, 3-2, Friday night at FIU Baseball Stadium.
Cooper McMullen made another excellent start for the Owls (15-15, 6-7 CUSA), tossing 6.0 innings of one-run, five-hit ball with two strikeouts. The sophomore right-hander matched his career-long in innings pitches and recorded his second Quality Start of the season.
KSU totaled just five hits in the defeat, with no Owl recording more than one hit. Jackson Chirello and Grayson McCollum each drove in a run, while James McGee and Trenton Lyons both hit a double.
How it Happened
- T5 | Chris Cole and Wesley Alig recorded back-to-back infield singles to open the inning, with Cole jogging home on McCollum's sacrifice bunt (1-0, Kennesaw State).
- T6 | Lyons hit a leadoff double before stealing third and scoring on an infield single by Chirello (2-0).
- B6 | FIU launched a solo homer to avoid the shutout (2-1).
- B8 | The Panthers hit three singles and a double to take the lead (3-2, FIU).
Notes from the Diamond
- McMullen recorded the second Quality Start of his career, tying his career-long with 6.0 innings pitched.
- In five Conference USA starts, McMullen owns a 2.39 ERA (7 ER/26.1 IP) and has worked at least 5.0 innings in four of those outings.
- James McGee extended his on-base streak to 19 games, while Chris Cole pushed his to 15.
Next Up
Kennesaw State looks to even the series on Saturday at 5 p.m.
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.
