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BOWLING GREEN, Ky. - Kennesaw State baseball dropped a high-scoring, back-and-forth affair to Western Kentucky, 9-8, Friday evening at Nick Denes Field.
The Owls (18-20, 7-12 CUSA) scored more than six runs in a conference game for the first time since March 29 at Delaware (13-11), but couldn't keep pace as the Hilltoppers plated runs in each of the first four innings during a rainy night in Bowling Green. KSU totaled 10 hits, led by Trenton Lyons' 3-for-5 performance with two doubles and three RBIs. Josh Gibbs added his first career home run and a triple as part of a 2-for-5 night
Ryan Gold (L, 0-2) turned in a solid outing out of the bullpen, allowing one run with a season-high five strikeouts across 2.2 innings. Nate Helman followed with 1.2 scoreless frames, striking out four.
How it Happened
- T1 | Chris Cole walked, advanced to second on a wild pitch and stole third before scoring on an RBI single from Trenton Lyons (1-0, Kennesaw State).
- B1 | The Hilltoppers scored two runs on three hits and an error to open the scoring (2-1, Western Kentucky).
- T2 | Josh Gibbs lined a solo homer down the left field line (2-2).
- B2 | WKU added three runs on four hits (5-2, Western Kentucky).
- T3 | A single and two hit batters loaded the bases for Cooper Williams, who lifted a sacrifice fly to right field, plating Shamaar McDuffie. On the next pitch, Lyons lined a double to left-center field, driving James McGee and Cole (5-5).
- B3 | The hosts again plated two runs, doing so on an RBI triple and a wild pitch (7-5, Western Kentucky).
- B4 | A solo homer extended the lead (8-5).
- T5 | Williams hit a leadoff double, scoring when Gibbs laced an RBI triple of his own to center field. After Wesley Alig hit a sac fly to bring Gibbs home, Charlie Jones hit a solo homer to center field, again tying the game (8-8).
- B6 | Western Kentucky recaptured the lead with an RBI single through the left side (9-8, Western Kentucky).
Notes from the Diamond
- Gibbs lifted his first career home run and his second career triple in the loss.
- Gold's five strikeouts set a new season high.
- Helman struck out four men for the third time this season.
- Cole extended his on-base streak to a team-high 23 games.
Next Up
Kennesaw State returns to Nick Denes Field on Saturday at 5 p.m., looking to even the series.
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.
