Kennesaw State (19-22, 8-13 CUSA) vs. Sam Houston (20-25, 9-12 CUSA)
Location: Kennesaw, Ga. | Mickey Dunn Stadium at Henssler Financial Field
Friday, May 1 at 6 p.m. (ESPN+)
Saturday, May 2 at 4 p.m. (ESPN+)
Sunday, May 3 at 1 p.m. (ESPN+)
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KENNESAW, Ga. - Kennesaw State returns home for a pivotal Conference USA series against Sam Houston, with major postseason implications on the line at Mickey Dunn Stadium at Henssler Financial Field.
Probable Starters
- Friday: RHP Ryan Peterson (5-4, 2.45 ERA) vs. RHP Cooper McMullen (2-3, 5.64 ERA)
- Saturday: RHP Tyler Ryden (2-4, 6.42 ERA) vs. RHP Nolan Sliver (0-0, 5.57 ERA)
- Sunday: TBA vs. TBA
What's at Stake
The Owls enter the weekend tied for ninth place in Conference USA, holding the final spot in the CUSA Championship bracket. Sam Houston sits tied for sixth, just one game ahead of KSU. A series win would not only push the Owls above the cut line but also secure a key tiebreaker against a direct postseason competitor.
Battle Tested
Kennesaw State has played one of the nation's most challenging schedules, with Tuesday marking its 10th game against a ranked opponent. The Owls enter with the 71st-toughest schedule in the country and the 21st-ranked non-conference strength of schedule.
Back on Track
After going hitless over an 11-game stretch from Feb. 22 to March 14 (0-for-21), Shamaar McDuffie broke through with a three-hit game against Georgia Southern on March 17. Since then, he is hitting .301 (22-for-73) over his last 25 games.
Finding His Footing
Perfect Game's Preseason CUSA Freshman of the Year, Josh Gibbs, has emerged as a consistent presence in the lineup after limited opportunities early in the season. The Cumming, Ga., native has appeared in 17 of the last 20 games, making 14 starts at second base, and is hitting .283 (17-for-60) with two doubles, two triples and two home runs, along with 10 RBIs and nine runs scored.
Turnin' Two
The Black and Gold have turned 41 double plays this season, ranking ninth in the nation and first in Conference USA. KSU's 1.00 double plays per game leads the conference and ranks seventh nationally.
Setting the Table
The Owls have seen their leadoff hitter reach base 141 times in 355 innings (.397), led by Trenton Lyons' 21 successful leadoff plate appearances.
Late-Inning Offense
Kennesaw State's lineup has been particularly dangerous in the late innings, scoring 87 of its 237 runs in the seventh, eighth and ninth innings. The eighth inning has been especially productive, accounting for 41 runs (17.3%), while the seventh inning ranks third with 33 runs, trailing only the eighth and first innings, which produced 35 runs.
The late-game surge has fueled six come-from-behind victories this season, including a 5-4 win over DBU on April 4, when the Owls trailed 4-0 after six innings.
Milestone Watch
Jackson Chirello hit the 53rd double of his career on Sunday against Western Kentucky, ranking second in Kennesaw State's Division I history. The D-I era record is 57 doubles set by Donovan Cash from 2022 to 2025, while the all-time program mark is 69 by Clint Watters from 2001 to 2004. Chris Cole enters Friday with 58 career stolen bases, second in KSU's Division I era and third all-time.
Ticket Information
Tickets are still available for purchase at KSUOwls.com, or by contacting the KSU Ticket Office. Fans making last-minute plans to attend the contest can purchase tickets at the box office, which opens 60 minutes before first pitch.
Parking
Fans attending this weekend's games should park in the East Parking Deck, adjacent to VyStar Arena, and follow posted signage to the main gate of Mickey Dunn Stadium at Henssler Financial Field.
A designated ADA drop-off zone is located in front of Gate 1 on Kennesaw State University Road. Due to ongoing construction, the sidewalk along the third-base line will be closed through April 24. Fans are encouraged to cross KSU Road at Bailey Park and walk along the southbound side before crossing again at Gate 1.
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.
