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KENNESAW, Ga. - Kennesaw State baseball left 17 runners on base Friday night, falling to DBU, 7-5, at Mickey Dunn Stadium at Henssler Financial Field. The Owls (14-13, 5-6 CUSA) stranded the bases loaded in four innings and left the tying run on base in the ninth.
Despite failing to record a clutch hit, KSU's offense continually put pressure on the Patriots, recording 11 hits and nine walks. Shamaar McDuffie led the Owls' offense with a career-high three hits, markin gthe fourth three-hit game of his career. Chris Cole and Cooper Williams added two hits each, while four other Owls recorded a hit.
Ty Bayer (L, 4-3) was forced into early action and allowed five hits and two runs over 4.2 innings of work. The right-hander opened with 4.0 scoreless frames before surrendering a pair of solo home runs in the sixth. Nate Helman shut down the Patriots, giving the Owls a chance to win after tossing 2.2 scoreless innings with a career-high four strikeouts.
How it Happened
- T1 | DBU scored four runs on one hit after walking five times in the opening frame (4-0, DBU).
- B2 | After hitting three consecutive infield singles, Cole walked to drive in Josh Gibbs (4-1).
- B3 | Trenton Lyons earned a leadoff walk, scoring when Aaron Posey doubled into the left field corner. Shamaar McDuffie then dropped a single into left field to score Posey (4-3).
- B4 | Jackson Chirello lifted a two-run homer, scoring James McGee, who was hit by a pitch (5-4, Kennesaw State).
- T6 | Back-to-back solo homers allowed the Patriots to reclaim the lead (6-5, DBU).
- T9 | The visitors blasted another solo homer (7-5).
Notes from the Diamond
- The Owls drew nine walks, their second-most in a game this season.
- McDuffie recorded his fourth career three-hit performance.
- Helman struck out four Patriots, setting a new career high.
- Gibbs notched a hit in his fifth-consecutive appearance.
Next Up
Kennesaw State and DBU wrap up the series on Saturday at noon.
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.
