LAWRENCEVILLE, Ga. – Georgia State used a seven-run third inning to power past Bellarmine, 9-3, on Friday night at Gwinnett Field.

The Panthers improve to 5-2 on the season, while Bellarmine falls to 2-4.

Bellarmine struck first with a run in the opening inning, but Georgia State answered in the second. Hunter Carlson drew a walk and later scored on an RBI single by Sam Silas to even the game at 1-1.

The Panthers broke the game open in the third, sending 11 batters to the plate and scoring seven runs on seven hits. Carlson delivered an RBI triple to give Georgia State its first lead of the night before Nick Garagozzo followed with an RBI single. Silas added a two-run single, Austin Sellers brought home a run with a base hit that was aided by an error, and Jae Williams capped the rally with an RBI single. Adam Haber added an RBI double later in the inning as the Panthers built an 8-1 advantage.

Georgia State added another run in the fifth when Wesley Bass tripled to right center to plate Silas, extending the lead to 9-1.

Silas led the offensive effort, finishing 4-for-4 with three RBIs and two stolen bases. Garagozzo went 2-for-5 with an RBI, while Carlson scored twice and drove in a run. Haber doubled and scored, and Bass contributed a triple and an RBI off the bench. The Panthers totaled 14 hits and did not commit an error.

On the mound, Brian Crooms (2-0) earned the win after allowing one run on two hits over 5.0 innings. He struck out three and worked around four walks. William Petteys tossed 1.2 innings in relief, while Montrell Christian Jr. and Nick Holbrook combined to close out the final 2.1 innings.

Bellarmine pushed across two runs in the seventh, but the Panthers turned three double plays in the game to limit further damage and secure the 9-3 victory.

Georgia State will finish the series against Bellarmine on Sunday at Gwinnett Field.