The Georgia State baseball team tied a school-record with their 33rd win of the season with a 4-1 victory over Florida A&M on Tuesday afternoon. Senior Adam Knight pitched a career-high 7.2 innings and junior Bradley Logan celebrated his 21st birthday with a solo home run to lead off the seventh inning for the victory.
The Panthers improved to 33-20 on the season and are 7-2 on their current 11-game home stand to finish the season. Florida A&M dropped to 22-28 on the season.
“Adam Knight came ready to pitch today,” commented head coach Greg Frady after the game. “He told me that today was going to be the last time that he pitched on this field and he wanted to make it a good one. He was the difference in us winning or losing. We won today because of the job that he and Justin Malone did on the mound. They were the difference.”
Knight (3-4) earned his second consecutive win, going 7.2 innings, scattering just four hits and allowing one run. It took just four pitches for him to get through the sixth inning as he continued to improve as the game went on.
“It was really special to get the start today,” commented Knight. “I knew this was going to be the last time I pitched here and wanted to make it a good one. It feels great to leave here with a win, and I am glad I could help the team tie the school wins mark today. We need to take care of business on Friday to prepare us for what Wilmington has in store for us next week.”
The Panthers got on the board in the bottom of the fourth as senior Derek Simmons walked with one out. After advancing to third on a passed ball and error by the pitcher, Simmons scored on senior Chase Childers' single to center.
Logan's fifth home run of the season to lead off the seventh gave the Panthers a 2-0 lead. He finished the game 3-for-4.
Seniors Matt Van Horn and Marc Mimeault followed with a pair of singles. After freshman Brandon Williams dropped a perfect sacrifice bunt, senior Michael McCree singled to center to give the Panthers a 4-0 lead.
The Rattlers got their lone run in the bottom of the eighth on a wild pitch by reliever Justin Malone, scoring Timothy Schalch.
Malone pitched the final 1.1 innings to record his fifth save of the season. The freshman moved into fifth on the all-time school saves list.
Adam Gordon (1-1) pitched a complete game for the Rattlers, but earned the loss after allowing eight hits and four runs. He walked three, while striking out three.
Mimeault extended his hitting streak to a season-high 12 games.
The Panthers will conclude the regular season on Friday as Alabama State returns to Atlanta for a doubleheader beginning at 1 p.m. Live stats will be provided via GeorgiaStateSports.com.
