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JACKSONVILLE, Ala. - Kennesaw State baseball erased a late one-run deficit by scoring four unanswered runs in the eighth and ninth innings to down 24th-ranked Jacksonville State, 5-2, Friday night at Rudy Abbott Field at Jim Case Stadium.
The Owls (24-22, 12-13 CUSA) trailed entering the seventh inning, facing a tall task against a Jax State (38-11, 20-5 CUSA) squad that entered Friday with a 29-1 record when leading after six innings. Charlie Jones drew a four-pitch leadoff walk to open the eighth inning, becoming only KSU's third baserunner of the night, and eventually scored after Shamaar McDuffie and Chris Cole delivered consecutive two-out singles.
Trenton Lyons opened the ninth with a single to extend his hitting streak to 11 games and advanced to third after two productive outs before scoring on a wild pitch. Two singles and a three-base error later, the Black and Gold suddenly owned a three-run advantage.
Nolan Sliver turned in an effective outing in his first Friday-night start of the season, allowing two runs on four hits across 5.1 innings. After the first two Gamecocks reached base, the veteran right-hander retired 15 of the next 17 batters he faced before running into trouble in the sixth. Peter Jezerinac retired the only batter he faced before Ty Bayer tossed 1.1 scoreless innings to bridge the gap to the ninth. Daniel Powell (W, 6-2) allowed just a one-out single while striking out four across 2.0 scoreless innings to secure the series-opening victory.
How it Happened
- T5 | With Cooper Williams on first and two outs, Jackson Chirello lifted a deep fly ball to center field that was dropped by the defender, allowing Williams to score on the three-base error (1-0, Kennesaw State).
- B6 | Jax State scored two runs on two extra-base hits and a sacrifice bunt (2-1, Jax State).
- T8 | After Charlie Jones worked a four-pitch walk to open the inning, Shamaar McDuffie extended the frame with a two-out single before Chris Cole poked an RBI single into left field to tie the game (2-2).
- T9 | Trenton Lyons singled to lead off the inning and advanced to third after two productive outs before scoring on a wild pitch. Jones followed with an infield single before Chirello reached on another three-base error by the center fielder, allowing Jamarie Brooks to score. Josh Gibbs then added an RBI single to extend the lead (5-2, Kennesaw State).
Notes from the Diamond
- KSU earned its fifth consecutive win, matching its longest winning streak of the season (March 22-29).
- Jacksonville State entered Friday with a 29-1 record when leading after six innings.
- The Owls earned their eighth win this season when trailing after six innings.
- Lyons' hitting streak reached 11 games, going 17-for-48 (.354) with five doubles, two home runs, 14 RBIs and seven runs scored during that stretch.
- Chris Cole extended his on-base streak to 31 games, while Wesley Alig's 16-game streak came to an end.
Next Up
Kennesaw State looks to take the series on Saturday at 7 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.
