Follow KSU Baseball – X | Instagram
KENNESAW, Ga. - Josh Gibbs went 3-for-3, highlighted by a leadoff triple in the eighth inning, and later scored the game-winning run as Kennesaw State downed Louisiana Tech, 6-5, Saturday afternoon at Mickey Dunn Stadium at Henssler Financial Field to even the series.
The Owls (17-18, 7-10 CUSA) were outhit by the visitors from Ruston but used timely extra-base hits to win a back-and-forth contest. Wesley Alig launched his first home run of the season in the fifth inning to give KSU the lead before James McGee delivered a towering solo shot in the seventh to tie the game. Gibbs' leadoff triple in the eighth put the eventual winning run 90 feet away, scoring when Charlie Jones lifted a sacrifice fly to right field.
Nolan Sliver turned in a solid start, allowing three runs on six hits with three strikeouts across 4.1 innings. Daniel Powell surrendered two runs over 2.0 innings before Ty Bayer (W, 5-4) closed the door with 2.2 scoreless innings, needing just 24 pitches to retire nine of the 10 batters he faced.
How it Happened
- B2 | After Alig reached on a throwing error and moved to second on a wild pitch, Josh Gibbs poked a single through the right side to plate the game's first run (1-0, Kennesaw State).
- T3 | A leadoff homer evened the score (1-1).
- B3 | Chris Cole reached on a bunt single, stole second and advanced to third on a throwing error before scoring on a McGee groundout (2-1, Kennesaw State).
- T5 | A two-run homer gave the Bulldogs their first lead (3-2, Louisiana Tech).
- B5 | Alig answered with a two-run blast, his first of the season (4-3, Kennesaw State).
- T7 | Louisiana Tech pushed across two runs to reclaim the lead (5-4, Louisiana Tech).
- B7 | McGee tied the game with a solo homer to left (5-5).
- B8 | Gibbs laced a triple to center and scored on Jones' sacrifice fly to deep right (6-5, Kennesaw State).
Notes from the Diamond
- Kennesaw State evened the series with its second Game 2 win in CUSA play this season.
- Gibbs recorded his third multi-hit game of the year and has tallied a hit in 11 of his last 13 appearances.
- Alig hit his first home run of the 2026 season.
- Cole stole the 54th base of his career and extended his on-base streak to 20 games.
- Shamaar McDuffie has reached base safely in nine consecutive appearances.
Next Up
Kennesaw State looks to take the series on Sunday, April 19 at 1 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.
