Big South
KSU’s High-Scoring Affair Ends in Disappointment
CONWAY, S.C. – The Kennesaw State baseball team jumped out to an early 9-1 lead in just the top of the third inning, but an offensive outburst from host team Coastal Carolina saw the Owls drop the CCU Baseball Tournament finale 13-11.
Coastal Carolina got off to an early start with a solo shot on the first pitch of the bottom of the first. That didn't scare the Owls' bats from doing some early damage of their own.
Third baseman Jake Coro began the KSU scoring with a base hit to right field to score Garrett Hodges. Up next was Jesse Sherrill, who forced an error when he caused a frenzy within the Chanticleer infield with a bunt. The loose throw to third base plated two runs for the visiting team. Batting from the two-spot, Tyler Tolve rounded out the second-inning scoring with a double down the right-field line to grab a 4-1 lead for Kennesaw State.
The Owls' five-run third inning began much like their second inning did, with a Coro single for an RBI. Tolve continued to contribute with a two-run single down the left-field line; the sophomore went 4-5 on the day. A bases-loaded walk for Terence Norman and a sac-fly for Nick Hassan saw KSU extend its lead to 9-1 heading into the bottom of the third. CCU had already gone through five pitchers before scoring two runs of their own in the third.
Tyler Simon led off the fourth inning with a no-doubt slam over the left-field wall, a solo shot for his first home run of the season.
The Chanticleers began to make an incredible comeback, leading Kennesaw State 12-10 by the sixth inning after scoring nine runs in the fourth and fifth.
Making his first-ever NCAA start at first base, Brayden Eidson hit his first Kennesaw State home run to left field as he led off the sixth inning. Despite the usual pitcher's milestone, there was no looking back for Coastal Carolina. The Chanticleers responded with a solo home run of their own to extend their lead to 13-11, a final scoreline that would be secured by the host team.
KSU looks to get back in the win column with a huge in-state game against the University of Georgia on Tuesday. First pitch will take place at Stillwell Stadium at 5 p.m.
To keep up with the latest Kennesaw State women's basketball news, follow the team on Twitter @KSUOwlNation and @KSUOwlsBaseball or by liking Kennesaw State University on Facebook.