BOONE, N.C. – Georgia State erupted for a season-high 20 runs and hit six home runs in a dominant 20-10 win over App State on Friday night at Smith Stadium, clinching the road series in explosive fashion and setting up a win-and-you're-in scenario for Saturday's regular season finale.
The Panthers (26-29, 11-18 SBC) scored in seven of the nine innings and tallied 17 hits, including a multi-homer performance from Carter Bailey. Jae Williams also joined the long-ball parade with a solo shot in the ninth, while Jesse Donohoe added a two-run homer in the fourth as part of GSU's relentless offensive outburst.
Bailey delivered a historic night at the plate, going 4-for-5 with two home runs, two doubles, and eight RBIs, tying the Georgia State single-game record for RBIs. His three-run homer in the first set the tone, and he later added a three-run shot in the eighth to break the game wide open.
Georgia State opened up with a five-run first inning, followed by two more in the third and a two-run homer by Donohoe in the fourth. The Panthers never looked back, adding one in the seventh, five in the eighth, and closing it out with another five-run ninth.
Williams finished 4-for-5 with a homer, two doubles, and three RBI, while Maginnis homered and drove in four runs. Donohoe added three RBI, and Colin Hynek reached base four times and scored four runs.
On the mound, Ross Norman (5-8) delivered a strong relief outing, working 6.1 innings and allowing six runs on nine hits while striking out seven. Carlos Carmona pitched the ninth to finish off the win.
App State (22-30, 12-17 SBC) tried to keep pace behind a pair of homers from Tyler Lichtenberger and Kameron Miller, but the Mountaineers couldn't match the Panthers' offensive firepower.
With the win, the Panthers keep their postseason hopes alive. Saturday's regular season finale at Smith Stadium is now a must-win for Georgia State to secure a spot in next week's Sun Belt Conference Tournament. First pitch is scheduled for 1 p.m.
GAME NOTES
» Every Georgia State starter reached base safely in the win.
» Four Panthers had multiple hits in the ballgame.
» Georgia State hitters hit five homers in the ballgame.
» The Panthers had a total of 17 hits.
» The Panthers out-hit the Mountaineers at a 17-11 clip.
» Georgia State went 7-for-14 (.500) with runners in scoring position.
» The Panthers drew eight walks from Appalachian State pitching.
