Kennesaw State (23-22, 11-13 CUSA) at No. 24 Jacksonville State (38-10, 20-4 CUSA)
Location: Jacksonville, Ala. | Rudy Abbott Field at Jim Case Stadium
Friday, May 8 at 7 p.m. (ESPN+)
Saturday, May 9 at 7 p.m. (ESPN+)
Sunday, May 10 at 1 p.m. (ESPN+)
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KENNESAW, Ga. - Kennesaw State baseball closes out its regular-season road schedule this weekend with a crucial Conference USA series against 24th-ranked Jacksonville State as the Owls continue their push toward a berth in the CUSA Baseball Championship.
Probable Starters
- Friday: RHP Nolan Sliver (0-0, 5.33 ERA) vs. LHP Eli Pillsbury (6-1, 3.05 ERA)
- Saturday: RHP Harry Cain (3-3, 4.36 ERA) vs. LHP Beau Bryans (6-0, 2.54 ERA)
- Sunday: TBA vs. LHP Steven Cash (6-2, 2.87 ERA)
Series History
KSU and Jacksonville State renew their longstanding rivalry with the 49th all-time meeting on Friday night. The Owls hold a 26-22 lead in the all-time series and have won each of the last three meetings, including victories in two of the last three series played at Rudy Abbott Field. The Gamecocks claimed the first Conference USA series between the programs last season in Marietta.
Where we Stand
Kennesaw State enters the weekend tied for sixth place in the Conference USA standings with an 11-13 league record. The Owls currently hold a three-game cushion over 10th-place New Mexico State and sit two games ahead of ninth-place Sam Houston in the race for a spot in the 2026 CUSA Baseball Championship.
Entering the weekend, KSU's magic number to clinch a berth in the conference tournament is four, needing any combination of Owl wins and New Mexico State losses totaling four.
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 76th-toughest schedule in the country and the 20th-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 .333 (29-for-87) over his last 27 games, posting the best average on the team during that stretch.
Runners Beware
Kennesaw State has been one of Conference USA's best teams at controlling the running game this season, allowing just 33 stolen bases in 47 attempts, the fewest steals allowed in the league. The Owls held Sam Houston, which entered last weekend with 100 steals, to just one stolen base attempt across the three-game series. Catcher James McGee has led the effort behind the plate, throwing out 11 runners this season, including two caught stealings against Georgia State speedster John Beverley on Tuesday.
Turnin' Two
The Black and Gold have turned 44 double plays this season, ranking 15th in the nation and first in Conference USA. KSU's 0.98 double plays per game leads the conference and ranks 13th nationally.
Setting the Table
The Owls have seen their leadoff hitter reach base 159 times in 390 innings (.408), led by Trenton Lyons' 23 successful leadoff plate appearances.
Late-Inning Offense
Kennesaw State's lineup has been particularly dangerous in the late innings, scoring 100 of its 272 runs in the seventh inning or later. The eighth inning has been especially productive, accounting for 49 runs (18.0%), while the seventh inning ranks third with 35 runs, trailing only the eighth and first innings, which produced 37 runs.
The late-game surge has fueled seven 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.
