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KENNESAW, Ga. - Kennesaw State baseball used a pair of five-run innings to defeat Mercer, 12-9, Tuesday night at Mickey Dunn Stadium at Henssler Financial Field, snapping a four-game losing streak.
The Owls (16-17, 6-9 CUSA) totaled 12 runs on 15 hits and drew 10 walks to outpace one of the nation's top offenses.
Kennesaw State struck for five runs in both the second and fourth innings, recording five hits in each frame. In the second, Cooper Williams reached on a fielder's choice with the bases loaded, beating the throw to first to avoid an inning-ending double play and scoring Wesley Alig. Chris Cole followed with an RBI bunt single before Trenton Lyons added a two-run single to left-center. Jackson Chirello capped the inning with a hustle double to drive in the fifth run.
The fourth inning followed a similar script, as Alig delivered a two-run single with the bases loaded before Josh Gibbs added a two-run single of his own to score Alig and Chirello. Later in the frame, Grayson McCollum singled up the middle to plate Aaron Posey, who scored without a throw after the ball was knocked down in the infield.
Each member of the starting lineup recorded a hit for Kennesaw State, led by Cole's 3-for-5 performance that included a walk, an RBI triple and two runs scored. Alig, Chirello, Gibbs and McCollum added two hits apiece, while Alig, Lyons and Gibbs each drove in two runs.
KSU used five pitchers in the win, highlighted by Ryan Renfroe's (W, 1-1) strong outing in middle relief. The Thomasville, Ga., native entered with runners on first and second and two outs in a three-run game and induced a foul popout to end the threat before tossing two additional scoreless innings. In total, Renfroe worked 2.1 shutout innings with two strikeouts to earn his first win in 364 days.
Harry Cain (Sv, 4) needed just 12 pitches to retire the side in order in the ninth and secure the victory.
How it Happened
- T1 | The Bears used a leadoff double and an RBI single to open the scoring (1-0, Mercer).
- B1 | Cooper Williams drew a leadoff walk and scored on Chris Cole's RBI triple. Cole later came home on a groundout by James McGee (2-1, Kennesaw State).
- T2 | Mercer plated two runs on two hits and a sacrifice fly to reclaim the lead (3-2, Mercer).
- B2 | The Owls scored five runs with two outs, highlighted by Lyons' two-run single (7-3, Kennesaw State).
- T4 | A three-run home run pulled Mercer within one (7-6).
- B4 | KSU responded with five runs on five hits, with Alig and Gibbs each delivering two-run singles before McCollum added an RBI single (12-6).
- T6 | Mercer scored three runs on four consecutive singles to close the gap (12-9).
Notes from the Diamond
- Kennesaw State defeated Mercer at home for the first time since May 8, 2019.
- All nine of KSU's starters recorded a base hit.
- The Owls worked 10 walks, tying their season-best mark (March 17 vs. Georgia Southern).
- Renfroe worked a season-long 2.1 innings and earned his first win since April 15, 2025 (vs. West Georgia).
- Chirello recorded the 51st double of his career, the third-most in KSU's Division I history.
- Cole stole the 53rd base of his career, ranking fourth in program history.
- Bayer turned in his longest start of the season and his fourth consecutive outing of at least 4.0 innings.
Next Up
Kennesaw State hosts Louisiana Tech in a key Conference USA series beginning Friday, April 17. First pitch of the series opener is set for 6 p.m., with ESPN+ airing the action.
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.
