BOONE, N.C. – Georgia State rode strong starting pitching and timely hitting to a 4-2 win over App State on Thursday night at Smith Stadium, opening the final Sun Belt series of the regular season with a much-needed victory.

Brian Crooms (3-1) delivered one of his best outings of the season, tossing 6.2 innings and allowing two runs on seven hits while striking out nine. Tysen Benford came on to record the final seven outs, earning his fourth save of the season as the Panthers (25-29, 10-18 SBC) held off a late push from the Mountaineers (22-29, 12-16 SBC).

The Panthers grabbed the lead in the third inning when Colin Hynek's RBI double scored Kaleb Freeman, followed by a sacrifice fly from Michael Maginnis to bring in Jesse Donohoe and make it 2-0. GSU added to the lead in the fifth when Hynek scored on a wild pitch after being hit by a pitch and advancing on a bunt single by Wills Maginnis.

App State cut into the lead with two runs in the seventh, but Georgia State responded immediately in the eighth. After loading the bases, Freeman singled to right field to bring home CJ Blackwell, who had entered as a pinch runner, restoring a two-run cushion at 4-2.

Freeman finished 1-for-3 with an RBI and two walks, as the Panthers totaled six hits on the night despite striking out six times.

Crooms and Benford combined to strand six App State runners, while the Panthers turned three double plays defensively to help preserve the win.

Georgia State will look to secure the series on Friday, with first pitch scheduled for 6 p.m. at Smith Stadium.

GAME NOTES
» Georgia State pitchers limited Appalachian State to just 1-for-7 (.143) with runners in scoring position.
» Georgia State pitchers faced 35 Appalachian State hitters in the game, allowing five ground balls and eight fly balls while striking out 10.
» The Panthers drew eight walks from Appalachian State pitching.