Kennesaw State (22-22, 11-13 CUSA) vs. Georgia State (22-25, 10-14 SBC)
Location: Kennesaw, Ga. | Mickey Dunn Stadium at Henssler Financial Field
Tuesday, May 5 at 6 p.m. (ESPN+)
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KENNESAW, Ga. - Kennesaw State wraps up its midweek slate by welcoming neighboring rival Georgia State to Mickey Dunn Stadium at Henssler Financial Field on Tuesday night.
Probable Starters
LHP Cooper Lewis (1-2, 8.10 ERA) vs. RHP Cole Royer (2-0, 10.22 ERA)
Series History
KSU and GSU meet for the 33rd time on Tuesday, with the Owls owning an 18-14 lead in the series. Kennesaw State has won six of the last 10 meetings, including five consecutive wins in Kennesaw.
Jackson Chirello: CUSA Hitter of the Week
Jackson Chirello was named Conference USA Hitter of the Week after a standout week at the plate, going 6-for-15 (.400) with four home runs, nine RBIs and six runs scored. Chirello became the first Owl to earn a weekly award this season and the third in program history to be named CUSA Hitter of the Week, joining Wesley Alig and Nate Anderson.
Battle Tested
Kennesaw State has played one of the nation's most challenging schedules, having played 10 games against ranked foes. The Owls enter with the 70th-toughest schedule in the country and the 18th-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 .325 (27-for-83) over his last 26 games.
Turnin' Two
The Black and Gold have turned 43 double plays this season, ranking 13th in the nation and first in Conference USA. KSU's 0.98 double plays per game leads the conference and ranks 11th nationally.
Setting the Table
The Owls have seen their leadoff hitter reach base 153 times in 379 innings (.404), led by Trenton Lyons' 22 successful leadoff plate appearances.
Late-Inning Offense
Kennesaw State's lineup has been particularly dangerous in the late innings, scoring 97 of its 262 runs in the seventh, eighth and ninth innings. The eighth inning has been especially productive, accounting for 49 runs (18.7%), while the seventh inning ranks third with 35 runs, trailing only the eighth and first innings, which produced 36 runs.
The late-game surge has fueled seven come-from-behind victories when trailing after six innings this season.
Ticket Information
Tickets are still available for purchase at KSUOwls.com, or by contacting the KSU Ticket Office. Fans making last-minute plans to attend the contest can purchase tickets at the box office, which opens 60 minutes before first pitch.
Parking
Fans attending this weekend's games should park in the East Parking Deck, adjacent to VyStar Arena, and follow posted signage to the main gate of Mickey Dunn Stadium at Henssler Financial Field.
A designated ADA drop-off zone is located in front of Gate 1 on Kennesaw State University Road. Due to ongoing construction, the sidewalk along the third-base line will be closed on Tuesday . Fans are encouraged to cross KSU Road at Bailey Park and walk along the southbound side before crossing again at Gate 1.
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.
