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JACKSONVILLE, Ala. - Kennesaw State baseball erased a two-run deficit with two outs in the ninth inning but could not force extras as No. 24 Jacksonville State answered with a walk-off sacrifice fly to claim a 4-3 win Sunday afternoon at Rudy Abbott Field at Jim Case Stadium.
The Owls (24-24, 12-15 CUSA) trailed 3-1 entering the ninth inning before mounting a late rally. Cooper Williams reached on an error with two outs before Charlie Jones ripped an RBI double into the right-center field gap. After Jackson Chirello was intentionally walked to put the potential go-ahead run aboard, Aaron Posey lined a game-tying RBI single into right field to score pinch-runner Jamarie Brooks.
Ryan Gold made his first start of the season and turned in a strong outing, tossing 4.0 scoreless innings while allowing just one hit and one walk with two strikeouts. Ty Bayer followed with 2.0 innings of one-run ball before Daniel Powell (L, 6-3) escaped a bases-loaded jam in the seventh after entering with two outs.
How it Happened
- T3 | Chris Cole singled through the right side before advancing to third on a throwing error during a pickoff attempt. Trenton Lyons followed with a sacrifice bunt to score Cole and give the Owls the early lead (1-0, Kennesaw State).
- B6 | Jacksonville State used a pair of sacrifice bunts to manufacture the tying run (1-1).
- B8 | Back-to-back singles opened the inning before the Gamecocks scored on a sacrifice bunt and RBI groundout to take the lead (3-1, Jax State).
- T9 | With two outs, Williams reached on an error before Jones drove an RBI double to deep right-center field. Posey followed with a game-tying RBI single into right field, just out of reach of the second baseman (3-3).
- B9 | A leadoff double set the table for a walk-off sacrifice fly by the Gamecocks (4-3, Jax State).
Notes from the Diamond
- With New Mexico State's loss on Sunday, the Owls clinched a berth in the 2026 CUSA Baseball Championship.
- Lyons' hitting streak ended after 12 games, while McDuffie's six-game hitting streak also came to a close.
- Cole extended his on-base streak to 33 consecutive games.
Next Up
Kennesaw State begins its final regular-season series on Thursday, May 14, welcoming Missouri State to Mickey Dunn Stadium at Henssler Financial Field. Thursday's contest is set for a 6 p.m. start with ESPN+ carrying 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.
