Kennesaw State (16-17, 6-9 CUSA) vs. Louisiana Tech (22-16, 9-6 CUSA)
Location: Kennesaw, Ga. | Mickey Dunn Stadium at Henssler Financial Field
Friday, April 17 at 6 p.m. (ESPN+)
Saturday, April 18 at 4 p.m. (ESPN+)
Sunday, April 19 at 1 p.m. (ESPN+)
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KENNESAW, Ga. - Kennesaw State baseball welcomes Louisiana Tech to Mickey Dunn Stadium at Henssler Financial Field for a crucial CUSA series between two teams looking to move up in the league standings.
Probable Starters
- Friday: RHP Declan Dahl (5-3, 3.75 ERA) vs. RHP Cooper McMullen (2-2, 4.14 ERA)
- Saturday: LHP Hudson Rowan (4-3, 4.01 ERA) vs. RHP Nolan Sliver (0-0, 4.84 ERA)
- Sunday: TBA vs. TBA
Series Notes
Louisiana Tech won the first-ever series between the programs last season, taking two of three games in Ruston. Friday marks the Bulldogs' first trip to Kennesaw.
Last Time Out
Kennesaw State outpaced one of the nation's top offenses on Tuesday night, defeating Mercer, 12-9, to snap a four-game losing streak.
All nine starters recorded a hit, led by Chris Cole's 3-for-5 performance with an RBI triple and a walk. Four Owls finished with multi-hit games, and eight different players drove in a run.
Battle Tested
Kennesaw State has played one of the nation's most challenging schedules, with nine games against ranked opponents. The Owls enter the weekend with the 52nd-toughest schedule in the country and the seventh-ranked non-conference strength of schedule.
KSU has faced four teams ranked inside D1Baseball.com's top 13 in its April 14 Field of 64 projections (No. 2 Georgia Tech, No. 4 Florida, No. 5 Georgia, and No. 13 West Virginia) and still has two weekend series remaining against projected regional teams.
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.
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.
Turnin' Two
The Black and Gold have turned 32 double plays on the season, ranking 20th in the nation and first in CUSA. KSU's 0.94 twin-killings per game leads the conference and ranks 13th in the country.
Setting the Table
The Owls have seen their leadoff hitter reach base 115 times in 284 innings (.405), led by Trenton Lyons' 19 successful leadoff plate appearances. KSU saw the leadoff man reach in all eight innings against Mercer on Tuesday.
Late-Inning Offense
Kennesaw State's lineup has been particularly dangerous in the late innings, scoring 73 of its 192 runs in the seventh, eighth and ninth innings. The eighth inning has been especially productive, accounting for 35 runs (18.2%), while the seventh inning ranks third with 26 runs, trailing only the eighth and first innings, which produced 32 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 33 games, KSU has increased its batting average, runs, extra-base hits and slugging percentage.
|
Category
|
2025
|
2026
|
|
Batting Average
|
.265
|
.273
|
|
Runs
|
178
|
192
|
|
Doubles
|
61
|
66
|
|
Home Runs
|
26
|
29
|
|
RBI
|
159
|
181
|
|
Total Bases
|
450
|
463
|
|
Slugging Percentage
|
.398
|
.421
|
|
Wins
|
14
|
16
|
Cashing in Opportunities
KSU has done an excellent job capitalizing in scoring situations, driving in 55 runs in 83 chances with a runner on third and less than two outs, which is a 66.3% success rate. The Owls have also been effective with two outs, totaling 68 two-out RBIs on the season, led by Jackson Chirello with 12.
Milestone Watch
Jackson Chirello hit the 51st double of his career on Tuesday against Mercer, ranking third 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 Friday 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.
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.
