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CARROLLTON, Ga. - With the winning run at the plate and two outs in the ninth inning, Cooper Williams climbed the right-field fence to rob a walk-off home run, sealing a 3-2 win for Kennesaw State at Cole Field on Tuesday night.
The Owls (18-19, 7-11 CUSA) applied constant pressure offensively, putting at least one runner on base in every inning except the ninth. Williams paced the lineup with a 2-for-4 performance, scoring once and driving in another, while seven other Owls recorded a hit. All nine of KSU's hits were singles, and the Black and Gold drew eight walks but stranded 12 runners.
Cole Royer (W, 2-0) set the tone early in the bullpen game, tossing 2.0 scoreless innings to earn his second win against the Wolves this season. Ryan Renfroe followed with his fourth consecutive scoreless outing, working 2.0 hitless frames. Jayden Summerville added 0.2 innings of relief, recording the Owls' first strikeout of the night.
Nate Helman struck out a career-high four over 2.1 innings but allowed two runs (one earned) before handing the ball to Daniel Powell (Sv, 5), who closed the door with 2.0 scoreless innings and two strikeouts.
How it Happened
- T2 | With two outs, Grayson McCollum walked and Shamaar McDuffie singled before Cooper Williams singled on a sharp grounder to second, scoring McCollum (1-0, Kennesaw State).
- T7 | Williams singled to open the inning and advanced to third after two productive outs before Charlie Jones flared a pinch-hit RBI single to right field. After Josh Gibbs recorded a two-out single of his own, Wesley Alig reached on an error which allowed Jones to sprint home and extend the lead (3-0).
- B8 | A solo homer and an error on a pickoff attempt allowed the Wolves to plate a pair of runs (3-2).
Notes from the Diamond
- KSU earned its fourth straight win over West Georgia and evened the all-time series with the Wolves.
- Renfroe tossed his fourth-straight scoreless outing dating back to April 7.
- Helman's four strikeouts matched his career high.
- Cole stole two bases in the first inning to record the 56th swipe of his career, tied for the second-most in KSU's Division I history and the third-most all-time.
- Cole extended his on-base streak to a team-high 22 games while Alig reached for the eighth-straight game.
Next Up
Kennesaw State travels to Bowling Green, Ky., for a three-game set with Western Kentucky beginning on Friday, April 24.
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.
