HAMPTON, Va. --Georgia State hit three home runs, but Old Dominion used a four-run third inning and a late two-run eighth to hold off the Panthers 5-8 on Saturday afternoon at War Memorial Stadium.

The Panthers (15-9, 3-2 SBC) struck first with a lead-off solo home run from Kaleb Freeman in the top of the first inning. Andon Lewis and Colin Hynek also went deep, with Lewis' two-run blast in the sixth cutting the deficit and Hynek's eighth-inning shot bringing Georgia State within one.

Old Dominion (7-13, 3-2 SBC) responded quickly, taking the lead with a four-run third inning that included an RBI double by Zach Leite and a two-run single from Luke Waters. The Monarchs added two more in the fifth, then capitalized on a leadoff walk in the eighth as Kyle Edwards tripled in a run before Waters' groundout made it 8-5.

Ross Norman (3-3) took the loss for Georgia State, allowing four runs on seven hits over 2.2 innings. Tysen Benford pitched well in relief, striking out six over 5.1 innings, but allowed four runs.

GAME NOTES
» Benford struck out six Monarchs hitters and Norman fanned six for Georgia State.
» Four Georgia State hitters had multiple base knocks in the ballgame.
» The Panthers took Old Dominion pitchers deep three times on Saturday.
» Hynek led the Panthers at the plate, going 2-for-3 with a home run and two RBI.


The Panthers return to the field for the series' final game Sunday at 1:00 p.m.