BOONE, N.C. – Georgia State's late rally came up just short in a 5-4 loss to App State on Saturday afternoon at Smith Stadium, ending the Panthers' season one game shy of clinching a spot in the Sun Belt Tournament.

Needing a win to qualify for postseason play, the Panthers (26-30, 11-19 SBC) fell behind after App State plated two runs in the fifth and three more in the sixth. Georgia State clawed back with three runs in the seventh and had the tying run in scoring position in both the eighth and ninth innings, but couldn't complete the comeback.

Kaleb Freeman and Jesse Donohoe each homered for GSU. Freeman went 2-for-4 with a solo shot in the sixth and a double in the ninth, while Donohoe hit a two-run blast in the seventh to cut the deficit to 5-4. Cooper Milford also had two hits, including an RBI double that sparked the seventh-inning rally.

Quin McManmon (1-1) took the loss, allowing four runs over 5.2 innings with five strikeouts. Caleb White and Tysen Benford pitched in relief, with Benford tossing 2.1 scoreless innings to keep the Panthers within striking distance.

App State (23-30, 13-17 SBC) broke a scoreless tie with Tanner McCammon's two-run homer in the fifth and got a three-run double from Braxton Church in the sixth to make it 5-1. Georgia State chipped away but ultimately stranded eight runners and left the tying run at third base. 

Bradley Wilson picked up a three-inning save for App State, his first of the season, while starter Caleb Cross (7-4) struck out nine over six innings for the win.

Despite the loss, Georgia State showed late-season fight, winning the series but finishing just outside the cutoff for the conference tournament field.

GAME NOTES
» Georgia State's power output was led by Freeman, who compiled two extra base hits in the ballgame.
» Georgia State's highest scoring inning was the seventh, when it pushed three runs across.
» The Panthers out-hit the Mountaineers at a 9-6 clip.
» The Panthers drew five walks from Appalachian State pitching.