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KENNESAW, Ga. - Kennesaw State baseball's season came to an end with a 6-4 loss to third-seeded Missouri State on Thursday night at Mickey Dunn Stadium at Henssler Financial Field. The Owls finished the 2026 campaign with a 25-28 record after going 0-2 in Pool C play at the Conference USA Baseball Championship.
Harry Cain was brilliant in the final appearance of his career, limiting the conference's second-highest scoring offense to two runs across 5.1 innings of work. Cain's only blemish came on a two-run homer in the second inning before the veteran right-hander closed his career with four strikeouts and two walks. Ryan Gold ended his season with 1.2 scoreless innings of relief before Ty Bayer recorded the final two outs of the night.
Like Cain, senior Jackson Chirello closed his career with an exclamation point, launching a two-run homer in the eighth inning to pull the Owls within two runs. Chirello finished his final season with career highs in home runs (13) and hits (60) while batting above .300 for the first time in his career. Chris Cole capped his career with a 2-for-5 night that included his 65th career stolen base, moving him into second place on KSU's all-time steals list. Trenton Lyons and Grayson McCollum also recorded two-hit performances in the season finale.
How it Happened
- T2 | A two-run homer to right field opened the scoring (2-0, Missouri State).
- B4 | With two outs, Grayson McCollum singled and Aaron Posey walked before Shamaar McDuffie and Chris Cole delivered back-to-back RBI singles to tie the game (2-2).
- T7 | A leadoff homer broke the stalemate (3-2, Missouri State).
- T8 | The visitors scored three runs on two hits and two walks (6-2).
- B8 | Lyons walked to open the inning before Chirello launched a towering two-run homer to dead center field (6-4, Missouri State).
Notes from the Diamond
- KSU ended the season with a 25-28 overall record and a 13-17 mark in CUSA play.
- Cole swiped his 65th career stolen base in the fourth inning and finished his career with the second-most steals in program history.
- Cole extended his on-base streak to 38 consecutive games and closed his career on a six-game hitting streak.
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.
