KENNESAW, Ga. _ The Kennesaw State Owls scored twice in the ninth inning Friday to pull out a 3-2 win over the University of Central Arkansas Bears in ASUN Conference play at Stillwell Stadium.

The Bears (13-19, 4-9) led the entire game until the ninth, behind a stellar pitching performance from graduate Jesse Barker. The right-hander from Benton, Ark., went the distance, striking out nine and allowing five hits and three runs. 

UCA's offense only produced five hits, with senior third baseman A.J. Mendolia picking up three of those. The Bears were also issued eight walks, including three to right fielder Kade Seldomridge.

The Bears scored both their runs in the first two innings. In the top of the first, Mendolia led off with a base hit, moved to second on Seldomridge's first walk, to third on a sacrifice bunt by Bryce Cermenelli and scored on Drew Sturgeon's ground out. 

UCA made it 2-0 in the second, with Mendolia involved in the scoring again. Left fielder Zeb Allen walked and advanced to third on Mason King's single. Mendolia then drove in Allen with a base hit to right field.

Barker allowed just one hit until the fifth innings when the Owls (18-14, 8-5) got a walk and a double to cut the deficit in half. Barker put up three more scoreless innings until the ninth when KSU had three hits and scored the game-winning run in a bases-loaded single by Zac Corbin.

The Owls had just five hits against Barker, who finished with a career-high 137 pitches. KSU used three pitchers, with Bo Rhudy picking up the win.

Game 2 of the series is set for 3 p.m. (CST) Saturday.