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BOWLING GREEN, Ky. - Trenton Lyons set the tone with a first-inning solo homer, giving Kennesaw State a lead it would not relinquish as the Owls downed Western Kentucky, 9-6, Sunday afternoon at Nick Denes Field.
KSU (19-21, 8-13 CUSA) scored in five different innings, building separation late after Cooper Williams launched a two-run homer in the seventh to push the lead to four. The Hilltoppers never got closer than two runs over the final three frames. Williams was one of four Owls with multiple hits, joining Chris Cole, Jackson Chirello and Lyons to lead an 11-hit effort.
Harry Cain made his second consecutive start in a series finale, allowing three runs on five hits with three walks and four strikeouts over 4.1 innings. Nate Helman (W, 2-0) followed with a season-long 2.2 innings, striking out one while allowing two solo homers. Ryan Renfroe closed it out, tossing the final 1.2 innings and allowing just one unearned run on one hit.
How it Happened
- T1 | Trenton Lyons lifted a two-out solo homer to right field (1-0, Kennesaw State).
- T2 | With two outs, Chirello singled and Aaron Posey walked before Shamaar McDuffie poked an RBI single through the right side to score Chirello (2-0).
- B2 | A leadoff solo homer put the Hilltoppers on the board (2-1).
- T4 | Wesley Alig doubled to lead off the inning and moved to third on a fielding error, scoring on Chirello's RBI double. After advancing to third on a wild pitch, Chirello came home on a groundout by Posey. Later in the frame, Williams was caught in a rundown but allowed Cole to score with two outs (5-1).
- B5 | WKU answered with a two-run homer (5-3).
- T7 | Cole doubled before Williams drove a two-run homer to left-center (7-3).
- B7 | The Hilltoppers responded with back-to-back solo home runs (7-5).
- T8 | With two outs, Chirello was hit by a pitch before Posey and McDuffie walked to load the bases. Cole followed with a two-run bloop single to right, scoring Chirello and Posey (9-5).
- B9 | An RBI double trimmed the lead to three (9-6).
Notes from the Diamond
- The Owls improved to 5-5 in series finales.
- KSU scored five runs with two outs.
- Lyons' first-inning homer was his third of the season and his first since March 27 at Delaware.
- Chirello recorded the 53rd double of his career, moving within four of the Division I-era program record.
- Cole extended his on-base streak to a team-high 25 games while Wesley Alig reached for the 11th straight game.
Next Up
Kennesaw State welcomes No. 3 Georgia Tech to Mickey Dunn Stadium at Henssler Financial Field on Tuesday, April 28. First pitch between the Owls and the Ramblin' Wreck is set for 6 p.m. with ESPN+ streaming the action.
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.
