MACON, Ga. --The Georgia State Panthers mounted a furious comeback, scoring six runs in the ninth inning and taking a 6-4 lead, but in the bottom of the ninth, Mercer responded with a walk-off three-run home run to defeat the Panthers 7-6. 

Senior Ryan Lamar (0-2) took the loss on the mound for Georgia State (17-10). Senior Brian Crooms was a bright spot out of the bullpen, going 1.1 shutout innings while allowing one hit, walking none, and striking out one.

Offensively, the Panthers were paced by senior Kaleb Freeman, who went 3-for-5 on the day with a home run and two RBI. Junior Michael Maginnis also had a standout day at the plate, going 1-for-4 with a double. Freshman William Maginnis also contributed for Georgia State, putting together one hit in three trips to the plate while adding an RBI.

Freshman left-handed pitcher Jake Hembree gave up three runs in the first inning but settled down, allowing only one more run over 6.2 innings. 

HOW IT HAPPENED

Trailing 4-0, Georgia State's offense started clicking in the ninth inning and put up six runs, including a one-run single by Freeman. The Panthers were unable to hold the lead, as Mercer scored three runs in the bottom half of the ninth inning to secure a 7-6 win.

GAME NOTES
» Freeman led the Panthers, picking up three base knocks in the ballgame.
» Freshman Jake Hembree fanned eight Bears hitters.
» Georgia State went 2-for-6 (.333) with runners in scoring position.
» The Panthers drew four walks from Mercer pitching.
» Freeman led the Panthers at the plate, going 3-for-5 with a home run and two RBI.