HATTIESBURG, Miss. – Georgia State couldn't overcome an early surge by No. 23 Southern Miss, falling 8-1 in Thursday night's series opener at Pete Taylor Park.

The Golden Eagles struck early and often, scoring five runs in the first two innings and riding a dominant start from JB Middleton to take Game One. Middleton (7-1) limited the Panthers to just three hits over eight innings, striking out 12 and walking only one.

Southern Miss (26-12, 11-5 SBC) opened the scoring with a solo homer in the first, then broke the game open with a four-run second, highlighted by a three-run blast from Matthew Russo. The Golden Eagles would hit five home runs in total, with solo shots by Nick Monistere, Ben Higdon, Tucker Stockman, and Drey Barrett.

Georgia State (22-17, 8-8 SBC) struggled to generate offense, striking out 15 times and leaving four runners on base. The Panthers' lone run came in the sixth inning when Michael Maginnis connected for a solo home run—his seventh of the season.

Cole Roberts (6-3) took the loss after allowing six runs on nine hits in 4.2 innings. Brian Crooms pitched 3.1 innings of relief, giving up two runs and striking out five.

With the loss, Georgia State evens its conference record and looks to bounce back Friday night in Game Two. First pitch is scheduled for 7:00 p.m. ET.

GAME NOTES
» Crooms struck out five Golden Eagles hitters and Roberts fanned five for Georgia State.
» Georgia State pitchers limited Southern Miss to just 1-for-5 (.200) with runners in scoring position.
» Maginnis led the Panthers at the plate, going 1-for-4 with a home run and an RBI.