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KENNESAW, Ga. - Kennesaw State baseball exploded for 12 runs on 15 hits to down Missouri State, 12-6, on Saturday afternoon at Mickey Dunn Stadium at Henssler Financial Field as the program celebrated its seniors.
The Owls (25-26, 13-17 CUSA) clinched the No. 7 seed in next week's Conference USA Baseball Championship with the win in the regular-season finale. Trenton Lyons paced the offense with a 4-for-5 afternoon, driving in three runs and scoring twice while Shamaar McDuffie recorded his third straight three-hit game and crossed the plate three times. Jamarie Brooks went 2-for-4 in his return to the lineup while Cooper Williams drove in a game-high four runs, highlighted by a three-run homer in the sixth inning.
Peter Jezerinac (W, 1-0) earned the win in the first start of his career after tossing 1.2 scoreless innings in a predetermined bullpen game, striking out two and walking one. Nate Helman and Daniel Powell combined for 4.2 innings of relief before Cole Royer closed the game with 2.0 scoreless innings. On the weekend, KSU's pitching staff held the league's top-scoring offense to just 16 runs across three games.
How it Happened
- B1 | After Lyons and Williams reached to open the inning, Charlie Jones launched a three-run homer off the building in left field (3-0, Kennesaw State).
- T3 | Missouri State plated a run on a sacrifice fly (3-1).
- B3 | Jones raced home on an infield single by Jamarie Brooks (4-1).
- B4 | Lyons ripped an RBI single through the left side before Jackson Chirello added an RBI groundout (6-1).
- T5 | The Bears scored four runs on three hits, including a pair of homers (6-5).
- B6 | Williams answered with a three-run blast to left field, scoring McDuffie and Lyons (9-5).
- T7 | A sacrifice fly pulled Missouri State within three (9-6).
- B7 | The Owls scored three more runs on two hits and two errors, highlighted by a two-run single from Lyons (12-6).
Notes from the Diamond
- Kennesaw State celebrated nine seniors on Saturday: Thomas Bourne (manager), Jamarie Brooks, Harry Cain, Jackson Chirello, Chris Cole, Nate Helman, Charlie Jones, Aaron Posey, and Nolan Sliver.
- The Owls clinched the No. 7 seed in next week's CUSA Baseball Championship.
- Jezerinac tossed 1.2 scoreless innings in the first start of his career.
- McDuffie recorded his team-leading sixth three-hit game of the season.
- Saturday marked McDuffie's third consecutive three-hit performance as he went 9-for-11 during the series.
- Cole extended his on-base streak to 36 consecutive games while Jones has reached base in nine straight contests.
Next Up
Kennesaw State returns to Mickey Dunn Stadium at Henssler Financial Field on Wednesday, May 20, to open the 2026 CUSA Baseball Championship. Game times and opponents will be announced at a later time.
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.
