STATESBORO, Ga. — The Kennesaw State Owls delivered a strong offensive performance Tuesday night, rallying past Georgia Southern 7-5 at J.I. Clements Stadium for their first win in Statesboro since 2023.

Kennesaw State (4-3) wasted little time finding offense, erupting for four runs in the second inning. Charlie Jones opened the scoring with a three-RBI homer deep to left field, his second of the season, giving the Owls an early lead. Jackson Chirello and Wesley Alig also scored in the frame after Chirello doubled and Alig reached on a walk.

The Owls added to their advantage in the third when Alig drove in two more runs with a clutch base hit, helping KSU push its lead to 6-0.

Georgia Southern (0-8) chipped away with two runs in the fourth inning before McGee provided a key insurance run in the sixth with his second solo home run of the night, his 3-for-3 performance marked the first three-hit game of his career. McGee also became the first Owl in 2026 to hit multiple home runs in a game.

The Eagles didn’t go quietly, scoring in the eighth and posting two runs in the ninth to make it a two-run game, but Kennesaw State’s bullpen held on for the victory.

Senior right-hander Nolan Sliver made his first start since March 2025 and delivered four innings with six strikeouts, allowing two runs, the second Owl this season to record at least six strikeouts in a game.

The Owls’ defense also helped limit Georgia Southern to just 4-for-20 with runners on base and 1-for-9 with runners in scoring position, stranding 11 Eagles on the evening.

Kennesaw State will look to build on this midweek win as it continues its nonconference slate before returning home next week.