AP Sports Preview

Missouri State (32-18) at Kennesaw State (25-26)

Thursday, May 21, 2026, 7 p.m. ET

Fred Stillwell Stadium, Kennesaw, Ga.

Weather: 80 degrees, clouds.

The Setup: Missouri State visits Kennesaw State on Thursday in a Conference USA series finale at Fred Stillwell Stadium. The Bears (32-18) enter with the stronger overall record, but the Owls (25-26) have a chance to earn a series split after the two teams traded results earlier this week. An online projection simulator favors Missouri State, 7-6, in a tight contest.

Last Meeting: Kennesaw State won the most recent matchup 12-6 on Saturday, May 16, snapping a two-game losing streak to Missouri State. The Owls’ offense erupted behind Cooper Williams (2-for-4, home run, 4 RBIs) and Trenton Lyons (4-for-5, 3 RBIs). Missouri State’s Taeg Gollert also went 2-for-4 with a home run and 4 RBIs in the loss.

Players to Watch:

Missouri State (Interstat) — Taeg Gollert (LF): The Bears’ outfielder has been a consistent run-producer. Over his last five games, Gollert is 9-for-20 (.450) with 4 home runs and 15 RBIs, including a 2-homer, 5-RBI performance May 9 against New Mexico State. He drove in 4 runs in Saturday’s loss to Kennesaw State and has 3 home runs and 8 RBIs in three games against the Owls this season.

Kennesaw State (Interstat) — Cooper Williams (3B): Williams is the Owls’ most dangerous bat, but his production has been streaky. He went 2-for-4 with a home run and 4 RBIs in the May 16 win over Missouri State, but is hitting just 6-for-33 (.182) in his last nine games overall. He had 3 hits in a May 1 win over Sam Houston.

Pitching Matchup: Missouri State is expected to send a right-hander to the mound, though a starter has not been officially announced. Kennesaw State’s rotation is similarly unconfirmed.

Records Context: Missouri State has won 8 of its last 11 games, with series wins over New Mexico State and a split with Kennesaw State. The Bears have lost three of their last four road games. Kennesaw State has won three of its last four after dropping six of eight, and is 15-12 at home this season.

Next Up: Missouri State faces Dallas Baptist on Friday, May 22, in Kennesaw. Kennesaw State’s next opponent is to be determined.

Projection: Interstat simulation: Missouri State 7, Kennesaw State 6.