Nowak’s two homer day, Brewer’s grand slam leads Blue Raiders to 13-2 run rule win over Kennesaw State

Saturday, March 14

Murfreesboro, Tenn.

3 p.m.

Middle Tennessee

11-8, 1-1

Kennesaw State

8-7, 1-1

Kennesaw St.

Middle Tenn.

3/14/2026 6:27:00 PM | Baseball

Box Score

By: Anthony Fiorella, MTSU Athletic Communications

MURFREESBORO, Tenn.—Perhaps nobody over the past few weeks has hit the ball harder, but unfortunately right at people, than Middle Tennessee (11-8, 1-1 CUSA) left fielder Nathan Brewer, even lining out to the pitcher to end yesterday's game with Kennesaw State (8-7, 1-1 CUSA). With two outs and two strikes on him in the bottom of the sixth, Brewer blew the game wide open by hitting his first career grand slam to put the Blue Raiders up 11-2, a lead they wouldn't relinquish in a 13-2 win. Brewer's grand slam was part of a six-run sixth that included five runs scored with two outs.

Hitting in the three-hole in the lineup for the first time this season, second baseman Cooper Clapp tagged a 1-1 fastball over the wall in right field to give the Blue Raiders a 2-0 lead after one inning. Clapp has already surpassed his season totals from last season in home runs, RBIs and hits in nearly 40 less at-bats. Following a two-out error that scored a run, Middle Tennessee leadoff man Owen Nowak made it hurt even worse by sneaking one just inside the foul pole in right to open up a 5-0 lead.

Nowak had a career-best day, reaching base five times with two home runs, four RBIs, a stolen base and four hits. The center fielder's second home run was a walk off, two-run shot off of Cole Royer in the seventh inning to send the fans home happy.

Clapp finished the game 3-for-4 with a pair of runs and RBIs and Vondohlen also had a multi-hit game, going 2-for-3 with two runs scored and an RBI.

Starter Drew Horn lasted into the top of the sixth for Middle Tennessee, giving up two earned runs and striking out five to earn his first win of the year before giving way to left-hander Colin Kerrigan, who allowed just one hit in two innings of work.

By the Numbers

17: game on-base streak for Brett Vondohlen.

5: innings ties the longest outing of the year thus far for Drew Horn.

4: season-high in hits and RBIs for Owen Nowak, who also had his first career multi-home run game.

24: RBIs for Tyler Minnick after pushing a run across in the sixth, a team-high.

The Skipper Speaks (Jerry Meyers)

"The players really tried to have more energy every pitch, and for the most part we did that today," said Middle Tennessee Head Coach Jerry Meyers. "We had a great crowd today, which we really appreciated. They made noise and were engaged as a fanbase. We made a point to stick to our approach at the plate. We only had four strikeouts and just one ball hit yesterday that wasn't hit too hard, so we didn't feel like that was the problem. I always hate to say it didn't go our way, because you have to apply pressure. We had good plate discipline, took walks and got guys on base. That usually leads to more offense, and that's what we want to do."

Player Perspective (OF Nathan Brewer)

"Honestly, I blacked out as soon as I hit (the grand slam)," Brewer said. "After that, there was a lot of screaming and I rounded the bases. (The grand slam) helped a lot with confidence. I'm still hitting the ball hard, but I know I have to keep doing the same thing and hope they'll land. Yesterday, we all smoked the ball and it didn't fall. Today, we kept at it and it went our way."

(OF Owen Nowak)

"As a leadoff hitter, I love getting the chance to drive in RBIs," Nowak said. "Obviously, my job is to get on base, which I also love, but your eyes kind of light up when runners are on. It's an opportunity to do damage, and it was awesome. I was overjoyed seeing all the runners on base when we turn the lineup and produce runs."

Up next

The series finale with Kennesaw State is scheduled for tomorrow at 1:00 p.m. CDT from Reese Smith Jr. Field. Coverage will be provided by both the Blue Raider Network and ESPN+.