Kennesaw State (15-17, 6-9 CUSA) vs. Mercer (25-11, 4-5 SoCon)
Location: Kennesaw, Ga. | Mickey Dunn Stadium at Henssler Financial Field
Tuesday, April 14 at 6 p.m. (ESPN+)
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KENNESAW, Ga. - Kennesaw State baseball returns home Tuesday night to face in-state rival Mercer at Mickey Dunn Stadium at Henssler Financial Field.
The matchup marks the second meeting between the two programs this season and the start of a four-game homestand for the Owls.
Probable Starters
Series Notes
Mercer downed the Owls, 14-4, in Macon on March 31. KSU is seeking its first home victory over the Bears since May 8, 2019, when the Black and Gold earned an 8-5 win at Stillwell Stadium.
Battle Tested
Kennesaw State is one of the most battle-tested teams in the nation, having played nine games against ranked opponents. The Owls' schedule enters the weekend ranked as the 57th-toughest in the country and the eighth-ranked non-conference Strength of Schedule.
At the midpoint of the season, KSU had faced three teams that D1Baseball.com projects to host a regional this season (Florida, Georgia, and West Virginia), and still has one game left against current national seed Georgia Tech. Jax State, Mercer and Missouri State were also in D1Baseball's midseason Field of 64.
Joining the Century Club
Three Kennesaw State pitchers – Harry Cain, Daniel Powell and Nolan Sliver – have surpassed 100 career strikeouts this season, reaching a key milestone in their careers.
Helman Heating Up
Nate Helman has emerged as a reliable multi-inning option for the Owls, turning in five consecutive scoreless outings.
In his only start of the season (April 7 at No. 2 Georgia Tech), the redshirt junior tossed 2.0 shutout innings with two strikeouts against one of the top offenses in the nation. He has worked multiple innings in seven straight appearances and recorded at least two strikeouts in each of his last eight outings.
McMullen Making Strides
After a rough close to February, McMullen found his rhythm in March, going 2-0 with a 2.11 ERA (4 ER/21.1 IP), working at least 5.0 innings and allowing three or fewer runs in each of his four starts that month. In CUSA action, the Georgia Tech transfer is 2-0 with a 2.39 ERA (7 ER/26.1 IP), inducing 38 ground outs and six double plays.
Death, Taxes and Daniel Powell
Right-hander Daniel Powell has delivered on preseason expectations after being named to the NCBWA Stopper of the Year watch list. In a team-high 16 appearances, Powell owns a 2.75 ERA, ranking among the top 80 qualified Division I pitchers and fifth in Conference USA.
He has limited baserunners effectively, posting a 1.14 WHIP and a .202 batting average against, both among the best marks in the conference.
Setting the Table
The Owls have seen their leadoff hitter reach base 107 times in 276 innings (.388), led by Trenton Lyons' 18 successful leadoff plate appearances.
Late-Inning Offense
Kennesaw State's lineup has been particularly dangerous in the late innings, scoring 73 of its 180 runs in the seventh, eighth and ninth innings. The eighth inning has been especially productive, accounting for 35 runs (19.4%), while the seventh inning ranks third with 26 runs, trailing only the eighth and first innings, which produced 27 runs.
The late-game surge has fueled six come-from-behind victories this season, including a 5-4 win over DBU on April 4, when the Owls trailed 4-0 after six innings.
Offensive Improvement
Overall, the Owls' offense has taken a step forward in 2026, producing more consistently across the lineup than at the same point last season. Through 32 games, KSU has increased its batting average, runs, extra-base hits and slugging percentage.
|
Category
|
2025
|
2026
|
|
Batting Average
|
.262
|
.268
|
|
Runs
|
169
|
180
|
|
Doubles
|
59
|
64
|
|
Home Runs
|
25
|
29
|
|
RBI
|
151
|
169
|
|
Total Bases
|
430
|
444
|
|
Slugging Percentage
|
.394
|
.418
|
|
Wins
|
13
|
15
|
Cashing in Opportunities
KSU has done an excellent job capitalizing in scoring situations, driving in 51 runs in 79 chances with a runner on third and less than two outs, which is a 64.6% success rate. The Owls have also been effective with two outs, totaling 64 two-out RBIs on the season, led by Jackson Chirello with 11.
Turnin' Two
The Black and Gold have turned 31 double plays on the season, ranking 24th in the nation and second in CUSA. KSU's 0.99 twin-killings per game leads the conference and ranks ninth in the country.
Milestone Watch
Jackson Chirello hit the 50th double of his career last Tuesday at Georgia Tech, ranking fourth in Kennesaw State's Division I history. The D-I era record is 57 doubles set by Donovan Cash from 2022 to 2025, while the all-time program mark is 69 by Clint Watters from 2001 to 2004. Chris Cole enters Tuesday with 53 career stolen bases, third in KSU's Division I era and fourth all-time.
Ticket Information
Tickets are still available for purchase at KSUOwls.com, or by contacting the KSU Ticket Office. Fans making last-minute plans to attend the contest can purchase tickets at the box office, which opens 60 minutes before first pitch.
Parking
Fans attending Tuesday's game should park in the East Parking Deck, adjacent to VyStar Arena, and follow posted signage to the main gate of Mickey Dunn Stadium at Henssler Financial Field.
A designated ADA drop-off zone is located in front of Gate 1 on Kennesaw State University Road. Due to ongoing construction, the sidewalk along the third-base line will be closed through April 24. Fans are encouraged to cross KSU Road at Bailey Park and walk along the southbound side before crossing again at Gate 1.
Limited parking is available in the Austin Residence Complex lot on a first come, first serve basis after 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.
