Follow KSU Baseball – X | Instagram
KENNESAW, Ga. - Trailing by two runs with one out in the bottom of the eighth inning, Jackson Chirello blasted a towering three-run home run to right field, giving Kennesaw State a lead it would not surrender as the Owls downed Sam Houston, 7-6, on Saturday afternoon at Mickey Dunn Stadium at Henssler Financial Field to claim the weekend series.
Chirello's blast was his third of the weekend, marking the first time this season that the senior has homered in consecutive games, and was one of five extra-base hits for KSU (21-22, 10-13 CUSA) in the win. Chris Cole and Wesley Alig led the offense with two hits each, with Cole going 2-for-3 with a two-run homer and a stolen base, while Alig finished 2-for-4 with an RBI triple—his second of the year.
Nolan Sliver turned in an outstanding performance after a rocky start in which he walked three Bearkats to open the contest. For the day, the veteran right-hander surrendered just three runs on three hits in 7.0 innings and did not allow a hit until the fourth inning. His 7.0 innings marked the longest start by an Owl in 2026 and matched his career long (April 26, 2024, vs. Bellarmine). Daniel Powell (Sv, 7) picked up his second save in as many days after working a scoreless ninth inning.
How it Happened
- T1 | Sam Houston scored a run after drawing three walks to open the contest (1-0, Sam Houston).
- B2 | With Charlie Jones standing on third with two outs, Wesley Alig blasted an RBI triple to straightaway center field (1-1).
- T4 | With two in scoring position, a ground-rule double gave the Bearkats the lead (3-1, Sam Houston).
- B5 | Trenton Lyons hit a double to right-center field to bring Chris Cole home (3-2).
- B7 | Cole lifted a towering two-run homer that just cleared the right-field wall (4-3, Kennesaw State).
- T8 | A sacrifice fly and a two-run home run put the visitors back in front (6-4, Sam Houston).
- B8 | Chirello's towering three-run blast scored Josh Gibbs and James McGee to put KSU ahead for good (7-6, Kennesaw State).
Notes from the Diamond
- KSU won a series for the first time since March 27-29 at Delaware.
- Saturday's win clinched the Owls' first home CUSA series victory of the season.
- Chirello lifted his third homer of the weekend, homering in consecutive games for the first time this season.
- Sliver's 7.0 innings matched his career long and marked the longest start by an Owl this season.
- Powell picked up his seventh save of the campaign, the fifth-most by a KSU pitcher in the program's Division I history.
- Cole stole the 59th base of his career, now needing just five more to move into a tie for second-most in program history.
- Lyons' hitting streak reached eight games on Saturday, going 12-for-35 (.343) with five doubles, a home run, seven RBIs and four runs scored during that span.
- Chris Cole found his way on base for the 28th consecutive game, while Alig reached for the 14th straight contest.
Next Up
Kennesaw State looks to complete the sweep on Sunday at 1 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.
