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KENNESAW, Ga. - With two runners in scoring position and one out in the 11th inning, Shamaar McDuffie bounced a high chopper over the head of the first baseman, driving in Jamarie Brooks to cap a three-run frame and lift Kennesaw State to a 10-9 win over Georgia State Tuesday night at Mickey Dunn Stadium at Henssler Financial Field.
The Owls (23-22, 11-13 CUSA) raced out to a 5-0 lead after two innings before the Panthers (22-26, 10-14 SBC) battled back to even the score at 7-7 in the seventh. In just its second extra-inning contest of the season, KSU trailed by two entering the bottom of the 11th before Jackson Chirello delivered a game-tying, two-run single after the Owls drew three consecutive walks to open the frame.
Kennesaw State generated offense all night without relying heavily on hits, drawing 10 walks and getting hit by five pitches in the four-and-a-half-hour contest. Five Owls recorded multi-hit performances, led by Trenton Lyons, who drove in three runs. Despite going hitless, James McGee and Cooper Williams each reached base three times via walk, while McDuffie was hit by each of the first two pitches he saw.
How it Happened
- B1 | Chris Cole singled and stole second before Trenton Lyons drove him in with a single to right (1-0, Kennesaw State).
- B2 | After three walks loaded the bases, McDuffie and Cole were each hit by a pitch to force in runs before Lyons added a two-run single to center (5-0).
- T4 | A two-run single put the Panthers on the board (5-2).
- B4 | With the bases loaded, McDuffie scored on a wild pitch before Cooper Williams lifted a sacrifice fly to deep left-center (7-2).
- T5 | Georgia State blasted a three-run homer to right (7-5).
- T7 | The visitors scored two runs on three hits to tie the game (7-7).
- T11 | A two-run homer gave Georgia State its first lead (9-7, Georgia State).
- B11 | With the bases loaded and no outs, Chirello lined a two-run single to left-center to score Williams and Avery Wilson. After Jackson Bradfield laid down a sacrifice bunt to move the runners into scoring position, McDuffie delivered the walk-off single (10-9, Kennesaw State).
Notes from the Diamond
- KSU finished its midweek slate at 7-4 and earned at least one win against five of the six other Division I programs in Georgia.
- Tuesday marked the third time this season the Owls drew 10 walks.
- The five hit-by-pitches were a season high.
- James McGee caught two runners stealing, setting a new career high, and now has 11 caught stealings on the season.
- Lyons' hitting streak reached 10 games, going 16-for-44 (.364) with five doubles, two home runs, 14 RBIs and six runs scored during that stretch.
- Chris Cole extended his on-base streak to 30 games, while Wesley Alig reached safely for the 16th consecutive contest.
Next Up
Kennesaw State makes the short trip to Jacksonville, Ala., for a three-game series with 24th-ranked Jacksonville State, beginning on Friday, May 8.
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.
