MACON, Ga. --Sophomore Makayla Stephens was dominant on Wednesday, punching out eight Mercer hitters over six innings of work to help propel the Georgia State Panthers past the Bears 7-5.

In addition to her eight strikeouts, Stephens (1-3) threw six innings, giving up three runs, all of them earned, on four hits and walking one for Georgia State (3-9).

Offensively, the Panthers were paced by sophomore Gabby Tillis, who went 2-for-3 on the day with a home run and an RBI. Junior Maia Mumpfield put together a standout day at the plate as well, going 3-for-4 with a double and an RBI. Sophomore Bella Morton also chipped in for Georgia State, putting together two hits in three trips to the plate while adding two RBI.

HOW IT HAPPENED

The Panthers got on the scoreboard first, starting in the third inning. Georgia State got an RBI single from senior Kiki Edwards, scoring Mumpfield from second base.

The Panthers then held the Bears scoreless before getting back on the board the very next inning. The Georgia State offense exploded for four runs, highlighted by a one-run single off the bat of Mumpfield, which brought the score to 5-0 in favor of the Panthers.

Georgia State held Mercer without a run before building their lead to 7-0 the following inning. The Panthers scored twice, with one run coming across on Morton's single. Mercer put five runs on the scoreboard before the game was over, but Georgia State still held on for the 7-5 win.

GAME NOTES

» Mumpfield compiled three hits in the game for Georgia State.
» Stephens struck out eight Bears hitters.
» Georgia State's highest scoring inning was the fourth, when it pushed four runs across.
» Five Panthers had multiple hits in the ballgame.
» The Panthers out-hit the Bears at a 13-6 clip.
» Georgia State went 5-for-10 (.500) with runners in scoring position.
» Georgia State pitchers faced 31 Mercer hitters in the game, allowing four ground balls and nine fly balls while striking out eight.
» Tillis led the Panthers at the plate, going 2-for-3 with a home run and an RBI.
» Mercer was led offensively by senior Hallie Langford, who went 1-for-3 with a home run and three RBI.
» Sophomore Gabby Ellis led the Bears pitching staff, throwing three innings of two-run ball.

The Panthers are back in action hosting Dayton for a double header on Friday afternoon.