MACON, Ga. - Georgia State was shut out 8-0 by Mercer on Wednesday evening at OrthoGeorgia Park.

The Panthers fall to 3-2 on the season, while Mercer improves to 3-1.

Mercer took control early, opening the scoring with a solo home run in the first inning before adding two runs in the second and two more in the third to build a 5-0 lead. The Bears extended the advantage to 6-0 in the fourth and added two more runs in the sixth on a two-run homer.

Georgia State was limited to three hits in the contest. Nick Garagozzo led the Panthers at the plate, going 1-for-4 with a double. Wills Maginnis and Austin Sellers also recorded hits for Georgia State. Maginnis added a stolen base.

The Panthers threatened in the sixth inning after Noah Jordi drew a walk and Sellers singled to put two runners on with nobody out, but Mercer worked out of the jam to keep Georgia State off the board. Garagozzo doubled in the seventh and advanced to third, but the Panthers were again unable to capitalize.

Michael Caruso (1-1) took the loss after allowing five runs on five hits over 2.1 innings. Joshua Evans provided 1.2 innings of relief, while Montrell Christian Jr., Niall Todd, Wesley Moore, and William Petteys also saw time on the mound. Petteys struck out three in a scoreless eighth inning.

Georgia State struck out 12 times and left five runners on base in the game.

The Panthers will look to bounce back this weekend, hosting Bellarmine for a three-game series.