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KENNESAW, Ga. - Kennesaw State baseball carried a two-run lead into the seventh inning before Missouri State used back-to-back home runs to rally for a 5-3 win Friday night at Mickey Dunn Stadium at Henssler Financial Field.
The Owls (24-26, 12-17 CUSA) totaled 10 hits in the loss, led by three-hit nights from Chris Cole and Shamaar McDuffie while Charlie Jones launched a two-run homer in the first inning. Wesley Alig doubled and scored while Jackson Chirello reached base twice. Friday marked the first time in both Cole and McDuffie's careers that they recorded three-hit games in consecutive appearances, with the duo going a combined 12-for-18 (.667) in the series out of the leadoff spot and nine-hole, respectively.
Cooper McMullen turned in one of his best starts of the season, allowing three runs (two earned) across 6.0 innings while striking out four. The right-hander pitched into the seventh inning for the first time in his career but failed to record an out in the frame after walking the first two hitters before the Bears (32-17, 20-9 CUSA) struck for four runs on back-to-back homers later in the inning. Ryan Renfroe tossed another scoreless outing, working the final 2.1 innings with four strikeouts while giving up one hit and walking one.
How it Happened
- B1 | Jones pulled a two-run homer down the left field line to score Chirello, who reached with a two-out single (2-0, Kennesaw State).
- T2 | Consecutive one-out singles and a fielding error allowed the visitors to plate a run (2-1).
- B2 | An RBI groundout by Grayson McCollum allowed Alig, who doubled to open the frame, to score (3-1).
- T7 | Back-to-back walks to open the inning led to a go-ahead, three-run homer, followed by a solo shot to left (5-3, Missouri State).
Notes from the Diamond
- McMullen's 6.0 innings matched his career-high, doing so for the third time this season.
- Despite failing to record an out in the inning, McMullen pitched into the seventh for the first time in his career.
- Renfroe tossed his second straight scoreless appearance.
- Cole and McDuffie both recorded their fifth three-hit games of the season, tied for the team lead.
- The duo notched three hits in Thursday's contest, marking the first time each has recorded consecutive three-hit performances in his career.
- Cole extended his on-base streak to 35 consecutive games while Charlie Jones has reached in eight straight outings.
Next Up
Kennesaw State wraps up the regular season on Saturday at 1 p.m., with Senior Day festivities beginning at 12:40 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.
