ATLANTA --The Georgia State Panthers took a 4-0 lead in the first inning and never trailed from there on the way to a 6-2 win against the Troy Trojans on Saturday.
Senior Emily Hodnett (3-7) started in the circle and picked up the win for Georgia State (12-37, ). The right-hander went seven innings, giving up two runs, both of them earned, on four hits, allowing one walk and striking out three.
At the plate, the Panthers were led by senior Chloe Middlebrooks, who went 3-for-4 on the day with a double. Senior Kiki Edwards compiled a noteworthy performance at the dish as well, going 2-for-4 with an RBI. Freshman Ryleigh Garrett also helped out for Georgia State, putting together one hit in three trips to the plate while adding two RBI.
HOW IT HAPPENED
The Panthers got on the board immediately, starting their scoring with two runs in the bottom of the first inning. Georgia State's offense started clicking and put up four runs, including a two-run single off the bat of sophomore Payton OConnor and a two-run single from Garrett.
The Trojans then gained ground, narrowing the lead to 4-2 until the Panthers expanded their advantage in the sixth. Georgia State brought home a pair, with one run driven in by Edwards' single, which brought the score to 6-2 in favor of the Panthers. The score remained 6-2 for the rest of the game, as Georgia State coasted to the win.
GAME NOTES
» Middlebrooks compiled three base hits in the game for Georgia State.
» Georgia State's highest scoring inning was the first, when it pushed four runs across.
» Georgia State grabbed a 4-0 lead in the bottom half of the first and didn't surrender that lead for the remainder of the game.
» The Panthers out-hit the Trojans at a 12-4 clip.
» Georgia State went 6-for-10 (.600) with runners in scoring position.
» Georgia State pitchers faced 26 Troy hitters in the game, allowing six ground balls and 12 fly balls while striking out three.
» Middlebrooks led the Panthers at the plate, going 3-for-4 with a double.
Georgia State can take the inter conference series with a win on Sunday.
