KENNESAW, Ga. -- After taking an early lead in their series opener at Stillwell Stadium, the Stetson Hatters were unable to keep pace with an explosive offensive performance from Kennesaw State Owls in a 23-5 loss.

Sophomore Nick Durgin (1-5) got the ball to start for Stetson (22-27, 7-18) and took the loss. He took the brunt of the early-inning barrage by the Owls, allowing nine earned runs on nine hits over just 1.1 innings of work. Only sophomore Jonathan Velazquez was spared by the KSU (29-21, 16-9) attack, throwing two scoreless innings out of the bullpen.

Jack Myers started on the mound for KSU, but worked just three innings, allowing two Stetson runs on two hits and three walks. Luke Tolbert (3-1) came on in the fourth inning and picked up the win in relief.

Stetson was able to score five runs in the game despite getting just four hits. Senior Cameron Hill had the big blow for Stetson with a two-run homer in the sixth inning. He also drove in a run with a sacrifice fly in the eighth.

The Owls blasted four home runs in the game, including grand slams by both Tyler Simon (second inning) and Spencer Hanson (fourth inning). Nick Colina came off the bench to hit a three-run homer for Kennesaw State and Donovan Cash had a solo shot. As a team, the Owls piled up 22 hits.

The Hatters will try to put the results from this game behind them and get focused on trying to even the series on Saturday. Graduate left-hander Chris Gonzalez will be on the mound for Stetson. The game is scheduled for a 2 p.m. start.

This story created through content automation technology from Data Skrive.