HUNTINGTON, W.Va. – Georgia State dropped its Sun Belt Conference opener to Marshall, 5-2, Friday evening at Jack Cook Field.
 

The Panthers move to 10-9 overall and 0-1 in Sun Belt play, while Marshall improves to 9-8 overall and 1-0 in the conference.

Marshall struck first in the opening inning, using a pair of RBI hits to take a 2-0 lead. Cooper Hinson drove in the first run with a single before Ethan Murdoch followed with an RBI double down the right-field line to extend the advantage.

Georgia State starter Brian Crooms settled in after the first inning, holding the Thundering Herd scoreless through the next three frames.

Marshall added to its lead in the fifth inning. Cleary Simpson delivered a two-run double before AJ Havrilla followed with an RBI single to push the lead to 5-0.

The Panthers were held scoreless through the first eight innings by Marshall starter Bryce Blevins, who struck out 10 batters across 8.1 innings.

Georgia State mounted a late rally in the ninth inning. Hunter Carlson worked a walk before Wills Maginnis doubled to left-center to bring home a run. Nick Garagozzo followed with an RBI double to trim the deficit to 5-2. Marshall closer Charlie Krebs then came in and got the final two outs to end the Panthers rally. 

Maginnis and Garagozzo each finished with an RBI double to lead the Panthers offensively, while Garagozzo recorded three hits in the contest.

Michael Caruso, William Petteys, Montrell Christian Jr., and Niall Todd combined for 3.2 scoreless innings in relief.

Georgia State and Marshall will continue the series Saturday afternoon in Huntington.