KENNESAW, Ga. (Interstat) — The Kennesaw State Owls scored six unanswered runs, powered by a five-run eighth inning, to defeat the Samford Bulldogs 8-3 on Friday evening at Fred Stillwell Stadium.

Samford built a 3-0 lead early, with Trey Higgins hitting a solo home run in the third. Kennesaw State chipped away before erupting in the eighth. Cooper Williams and Avery Wilson each drove in two runs, with Wilson’s two-RBI single capping the decisive rally.

Owls starter Cooper McMullen earned the win, allowing three runs over 5 1/3 innings. Relievers Harry Cain and Daniel Powell combined for 3 2/3 perfect innings. Samford’s Mason Blasche took the loss.

Kennesaw State improved to 6-6. Samford fell to 5-8. The teams continue their series Saturday.