On the efforts of a strong six run first inning, the Georgia State Panthers improved to 3-1 on the season with a 14-12 win over Cleveland State (1-3) on Sunday afternoon. With the wind blowing out, the two teams combined for six home runs.
“I am very happy to take the series today,” commented Head Coach Greg Frady. “When we started today, we knew the conditions were going to be a little crazy and with the wind blowing out, we thought double-digit runs could be put up on both sides. We managed the game and although they made a couple of comebacks, we never felt as though we lost control of it. It was a little uncomfortable at the end, but I had a lot of confidence in the team and I am glad we came through with the win.”
Senior John Locklear went five innings for the Panthers, allowing five runs on seven hits for the victory.
Freshman Justin Malone came in to retire the final batter of the game and earned his first career save.
“I knew that I had to just come in and throw strikes,” commented Malone. “When coach told me to throw a change-up with the first pitch, I wasn't going to argue it as he (Ryan Franks) is a big guy, so I just threw it outside and he swung at it. I just threw strikes and let our defense do the work as they have done a great job all weekend.”
Earlier in the game, the Vikings would put their first two batters of the game on base, however each would be caught stealing before ever reaching second. Leadoff hitter Brad Buell would get picked off, followed by Alex Johnson being run down to get the Panthers out of any potential trouble.
The Panther offense would then come alive in the bottom half of the inning. Senior Nick Hogan led off the game with a walk and advanced to second on a wild pitch. Senior Derek Simmons followed that with a single up the middle to score Hogan and put the Panthers on the board.
After Simmons advance to third on back-to-back wild pitches, the senior would score on a Chase Childers groundout. Brooks Wallace Watch List member Bradley Logan would single to left to continue to the inning. After senior catcher Marc Mimeault walked and advanced Logan to second, the two would each advance a base on another wild pitch by Viking starter Anthony Sambula.
Junior second baseman Carl Moniz would load the bases after being hit by a pitch. Seniors Joey Wood and Matt Van Horn would each drive in a run on a fielder choice. Senior Mike McCree would drive in the final two runs of the inning with a one-out, two RBI single to center. Viking starter Anthony Sambula would last only 1/3 of an inning and earn the loss.
Cleveland State would get on the board in the top of the second on a home run by Tyler Wynn. The Vikings would add three more in the top of the third on a pair of home runs by Tom Carter and Josh Hungerman.
Logan would add to the Panthers lead with a one-out two RBI double to left field. Mimeault would follow that with a two-run home run to center field, putting the Panthers up 10-4.
The teams would exchange runs in the fifth. McCree would drive in his third run of the game with a single to right center in the sixth, extending the Panthers lead to 12-5.
State would add two more in the bottom of the seventh, capped by pinch hitter Brandon Williams double down the left field line.
Cleveland State would add five runs in the top of the eighth and two more in the top of the ninth before Malone entered the game.
Georgia State finished the game with 12 walks and just two strikeouts, highlighted by Childers four walks.
Simmons finished the game going 2-for-4 with a pair of walks and three runs scored.
Senior Mike McCree had another impressive day for the Panthers, going 2-for-4 at the plate with three runs driven in.
The Panthers will return to action on Wednesday as they travel down I-75 to face former Atlantic Sun Conference Rival Mercer. First pitch is set for 4:00 p.m.
