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KENNESAW, Ga. - Ty Bayer and Daniel Powell combined to strike out 12 while allowing just one run over eight innings as Kennesaw State powered past Sam Houston, 6-5, on Friday night at Mickey Dunn Stadium at Henssler Financial Field.
Bayer (W, 6-5) entered the contest in the second inning after the Bearkats loaded the bases, allowing three inherited runners to score before tossing 5.1 innings of one-run ball with six strikeouts, tying the longest outing of his career and setting a new season high. After Bayer surrendered a solo homer in the seventh inning, Powell (Sv, 6) hurled 2.2 scoreless innings, punching out six while walking two and allowing just one hit.
Jackson Chirello provided the spark on offense, going 3-for-4 with two homers and three RBIs, recording his third two-homer game of the season. Chirello was one of six Owls to record a base hit in the victory, with five notching multiple hits. In total, KSU tallied 13 hits, the most since April 21 against Mercer (15), with 11 of those coming against Sam Houston's Ryan Peterson, who had not surrendered more than seven hits in a game this season.
How it Happened
- T1 | Sam Houston scored one run on two hits to open the scoring (1-0, SHSU).
- B1 | Chris Cole hit a leadoff double and scored when Cooper Williams dropped a single into left field (1-1).
- T2 | The Bearkats recaptured the lead by scoring three runs on three hits (4-1, SHSU).
- B2 | Jackson Chirello lifted a solo homer to right field (4-2).
- B3 | Cole doubled before Williams singled, and Trenton Lyons poked a single through the right side to plate Cole. After Williams stole third, James McGee grounded out to shortstop, but Williams sprinted home to even the score (4-4).
- B6 | Chirello lifted a two-run blast that cleared Frey Road in right field (6-4, KSU).
- T7 | A one-out solo homer pulled Sam Houston within a run (6-5).
Notes from the Diamond
- KSU won a series opener for the first time since March 27 at Delaware.
- The Black and Gold tallied 13 hits, the most since April 21 against Mercer.
- Chirello recorded his third two-homer game of the season, doing so for the first time since March 29 at Delaware.
- Bayer matched his career-longest outing by hurling 5.1 innings in relief on Friday.
- The sophomore right-hander's six strikeouts set a season high.
- Williams swiped two bases to bring his season total to 19, needing just one more steal to move into a tie for fifth in a single season since the program transitioned to Division I.
- Lyons' hitting streak reached seven games on Friday night, going 10-for-30 (.333) with four doubles, a home run, six RBIs and four runs scored during that span.
- Chris Cole found his way on base for the 27th consecutive game, while Alig reached for the 13th straight contest.
Next Up
Kennesaw State looks to claim the series win on Saturday at 4 p.m.
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.
