Box score
KENNESAW, Ga. – Kennesaw State erupted for seven runs during the fifth inning Sunday afternoon and cruised to a 14-4 victory over Northern Kentucky to complete the three-game weekend sweep.
For the second game in a row, Kennesaw State put up two runs in the first inning to take the early lead. The Norse answered in the top of the third inning to tie the game at 2-all.
Pat Hyde started the NKU attack with a single through the left side and advanced to second when
Caleb Lonkard was hit by a Kyle Kevin pitch. Hyde scored on a
Bradley Vanderglas groundout, and Lonkard scored when
Conor Ledger singled through the left side.
The Owls regained the lead in the fourth on a double by Kal Simmons that scored Jacob Bruce, but a sacrifice bunt by Vanderglas scored Hyde to answer and bring the score to 3-3.
Kennesaw State put the first six batters on base to start the bottom of the fifth and owned a commanding 10-3 advantage over NKU by the end of the inning.
The Norse loaded the bases in the top of the eighth, and
Cody Kuzniczci drew a walk to bring
Brett Cisper home for the final NKU run of the game.
The Owls improved to 14-10 overall and 4-2 in the Atlantic Sun Conference, while the Norse dropped to 2-22 on the season, 0-3 in the A-Sun.
Bruce went 2-for-4 to lead the Kennesaw State offense. He collected three runs and three RBIs on the day.
Kyle (4-2) pitched six innings for the Owls and allowed three runs on four hits. He struck out four NKU batters and only walked two.
Hyde scored twice and Vanderglas recorded two RBIs to lead the Norse.
NKU returns home on March 26 and welcomes Morehead State to the Bill Aker Baseball Complex. First pitch is scheduled for 3 p.m. The Norse continue Atlantic Sun action on March 28 with a three-game road trip to South Carolina-Upstate in Spartanburg, S. C.
