2026 Conference USA Baseball Championship – Pool Play
Location: Kennesaw, Ga. | Mickey Dunn Stadium at Henssler Financial Field
Wednesday, May 20 vs. (4) Dallas Baptist at 5 p.m. (ESPN+)
Thursday, May 21 vs. (3) Missouri State at 5 p.m. (ESPN+)
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KENNESAW, Ga. - With the regular season now in the books, No. 7 seed Kennesaw State turns its attention to the CUSA Baseball Championship, preparing to battle third-seeded Missouri State and fourth-seeded Dallas Baptist in Pool C.
Probable Starters
Wednesday: RHP Nolan Sliver (0-1, 5.49 ERA) vs. LHP Liam Watt (7-2, 4.31 ERA)
Thursday: TBA vs. TBA
The Format
Conference USA debuts a new championship format this season, splitting the nine qualifying teams into three pools of three. Each team will play two pool-play games, with the winner of each pool and the highest remaining seed with the best record advancing to Saturday's single-elimination semifinal round.
Our History in the CUSA Championship
KSU is making its second appearance in the CUSA Baseball Championship after advancing to the semifinal round in 2025.
Well-Deserved Recognition
KSU placed five players on CUSA postseason teams, including Daniel Powell (First Team RP) and Cooper Williams (Second Team UTL) who both earned All-Conference honors for the first time in their careers. Freshmen Josh Gibbs, Grayson McCollum and Jayden Summerville earned a place on the league's All-Freshman team as Kennesaw State was the only squad to see more than two players named to the All-Freshman team.
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 38th-toughest schedule in the country and the 13th-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 .367 (40-for-109) over his last 33 games. McDuffie ended the regular season with the conference's eighth-best batting average in league play (.359).
Turnin' Two
The Black and Gold have turned 46 double plays this season, ranking 26th in the nation and second in Conference USA. KSU's 0.90 double plays per game leads the conference and ranks 19th nationally.
Setting the Table
The Owls have seen their leadoff hitter reach base 172 times in 435 innings (.395), 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 110 of its 302 runs in the seventh inning or later. The eighth inning has been especially productive, accounting for 50 runs (17.6%), while the seventh inning ranks third with 39 runs, trailing only the eighth and first innings, which produced 42 runs.
The late-game surge has fueled eight come-from-behind victories when trailing after six innings this season.
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.
