Kennesaw State (24-24, 12-15 CUSA) vs. Missouri State (30-17, 18-9 CUSA)
Location: Kennesaw, Ga. | Mickey Dunn Stadium at Henssler Financial Field
Thursday, May 14 at 6 p.m. (ESPN+)
Friday, May 15 at 6 p.m. (ESPN+)
Saturday, May 16 at 1 p.m. (ESPN+)
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KENNESAW, Ga. - Kennesaw State closes the 2026 regular season with a three-game series against Conference USA newcomer Missouri State, beginning on Thursday at Mickey Dunn Stadium at Henssler Financial Field.
Probable Starters
- Thursday: RHP Jason Shaaf (3-2, 5.98 ERA) vs. RHP Nolan Sliver (0-0, 5.13 ERA)
- Friday: TBA vs. TBA
- Saturday: TBA vs. TBA
Series History
KSU and Missouri State meet for the first time in history on Thursday.
What's at Stake
Both teams are locked into the 2026 CUSA Baseball Championship but can improve their seeding with a successful weekend. Missouri State is within reach of a top three seed while KSU can finish anywhere from sixth to ninth.
Battle Tested
Kennesaw State has played one of the nation's most challenging schedules, having played 13 games against ranked foes. The Owls enter with the 42nd-toughest schedule in the country and the 12th-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 .316 (31-for-98) over his last 30 games.
Turnin' Two
The Black and Gold have turned 44 double plays this season, ranking 25th in the nation and second in Conference USA. KSU's 0.92 double plays per game leads the conference and ranks 15th nationally.
Setting the Table
The Owls have seen their leadoff hitter reach base 167 times in 417 innings (.4040, led by Trenton Lyons' 25 successful leadoff plate appearances.
Late-Inning Offense
Kennesaw State's lineup has been particularly dangerous in the late innings, scoring 106 of its 284 runs in the seventh, eighth and ninth innings. The eighth inning has been especially productive, accounting for 50 runs (17.6%), while the seventh inning ranks third with 35 runs, trailing only the eighth and first innings, which produced 37 runs.
The late-game surge has fueled eight come-from-behind victories when trailing after six innings this season.
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.
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.
