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KENNESAW, Ga. - After Kennesaw State grabbed a one-run lead in the home half of the sixth inning, Dallas Baptist answered with a decisive five-run seventh to pull away for a 10-5 win in the series opener Thursday night at Mickey Dunn Stadium at Henssler Financial Field.  

The Owls (14-12, 5-5 CUSA) record seven hits in the setback, led by Cooper Williams' 2-for-4 performance that included an RBI double and a walk. Josh Gibbs, Trenton Lyons, Grayson McCollum, Shamaar McDuffie and James McGee each added a hit, highlighted by Gibbs' go-ahead, a two-run double in the sixth. 

Cooper McMullen made his eighth start of the campaign, allowing four runs on five hits across 4.1 innings before giving way to Daniel Powell, who surrendered a run in 1.2 innings of action. JT Gibson extended his strong stretch out of the bullpen with his sixth consecutive scoreless appearance, striking out one in an inning of work. 

How it Happened 

• B3 | McDuffie, Lyons and Williams opened the inning with three consecutive doubles to plate the game's first two runs (2-0, Kennesaw State). 
• T5 | DBU struck to score four runs on two hits, including a three-run homer (4-2, DBU). 
• B6 | McGee and Aaron Posey walked, setting the table for the bottom of the order. McCollum then punched a two-out single up the middle to score McGee before Gibbs lifted a two-run double to straightaway center field (5-4, Kennesaw State). 
• T7 | The Patriots tallied five runs on three hits, including their second three-run homer of the night (9-5, DBU). 
• T9 | A leadoff double came around to score after a pair of slow infield rollers (10-5). 

Notes from the Diamond  

• Gibson turned in his sixth-consecutive scoreless appearance. 
• In 6.0 innings on the year, the McLean, Va., native has allowed only six baserunners and has struck out eight of the 20 batters he's faced. 
• Chris Cole's hitting streak ended after five games, but the veteran outfielder has reached base in 11 consecutive outings. 
• McGee also extended his on-base streak to 15 games. 

Next Up 
Kennesaw State continues its Conference USA series against DBU on Friday, April 3. First pitch is set for 6 p.m. at Mickey Dunn Stadium at Henssler Financial Field, with the game streamed on ESPN+. 
 
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.