Sophomore Aidan Francis made his first collegiate start and came within one out from a complete game performance as the Georgia State baseball team came from behind to defeat VCU on Friday night, 8-4. Francis struck out a career-high ten, while allowing just six hits after making 16 relief appearances to start the season.
With the win, Georgia State improved 27-18 and 9-7 in the CAA. VCU fell to 19-18 and 7-9 in CAA action.
Francis (5-1) went 8.2 innings, allowing just two earned runs before sophomore Zach Chastain relieved him with two outs in the top of the ninth. Chastain earned his first save of the season after recording the final out.
“I really wanted to come out and have a good appearance on the mound tonight,” commented Francis. “I feel as though I have really worked hard this season and I was glad to be rewarded with the start. What was really important night though was that we came away with a big win and hopefully can use that as momentum the rest of the weekend.”
Francis and VCU starter Ian Thomas (4-3) dueled back and forth for most of the game, before State finally broke through in the eighth. Derek Simmons solo home run to lead off the bottom of the eighth and tie score ended a run of 16 straight retired batters by the duo, going back to the fifth inning.
“Aidan Francis is just a phenomenal pitcher,” stated Frady. “Our Friday night guy should set the tempo for the weekend and I don't think we could have asked for anything more. This is one of the best wins of the season for us, especially with the pressure that our team is under to get wins right now as we head toward the conference tournament.”
The home run, Simmons seventh of the year, opened the flood gates for the Panthers who went on to score six runs in the inning. Freshman Brandon Williams drove in two with a double to left center as State went ahead 5-3.
Senior Chase Childers followed two batters later with a three-run home run, his fifth of the season, putting the Panthers ahead by five.
Thomas lasted 7.1 innings, allowing nine hits and eight runs, seven of which were earned. He walked three and struck out four.
The Rams did not go quietly in the ninth, scoring one, before Chastain was able to get out of the inning with bases loaded.
VCU got on the board quickly in the top of the first as Andrew Dimino walked to lead off the game. After stealing second, Dimino scored on Michael Cheatham's double to right as the Rams took a 1-0 lead.
State took the lead in the bottom of the third as a pair of Ram errors led to senior Nick Hogan scoring from first and Childers crossing the plate from third when Simmons struck out. As Hogan attempted to steal second, the ball was thrown into centerfield. Attempting to throw Hogan out at the plate, Ram second baseman Richard Gonzalez threw the ball to the backstop.
VCU retook the lead in the top of the fifth as an errant throw with two outs by shortstop Justin Malone allowed two Rams to cross the plate and head the lead until the eighth.
Junior Bradley Logan and seniors Marc Mimeault each had a pair of hits, while Childers drove in three and scored twice.
With the runs scored, Childers moved into second place all by himself in runs scored in Panther history. He also tied former Panther Rusty Bennett for sixth on the all-time games played list.
Georgia State and VCU will return to The Field on Saturday night at 6 p.m. for game two of the three game series. Sunday's first pitch is set for 1 p.m. Live stats will be available via GeorgiaStateSports.com.
