CONWAY, SC -- Georgia State jumped out to an early lead against No. 7 Coastal Carolina, but a six-run fifth inning by the Chanticleers proved to be the turning point in a 15-7 loss Friday evening at Springs Brooks Stadium.
 

The Panthers fall to 19-20 overall and 7-9 in Sun Belt play, while Coastal Carolina improves to 27-10 and 14-2 in conference action.

Georgia State seized momentum early with a four-run third inning. Cole Griffith singled to start the rally before Austin Sellers added a base hit. Wills Maginnis worked a walk to load the bases, and Nick Garagozzo was hit by a pitch to bring in the first run. John Beverley followed with a sacrifice bunt RBI, and Hunter Carlson and Sam Silas added RBI singles to give the Panthers a 4-0 lead.

Coastal Carolina responded in the bottom half of the inning with two runs and continued to chip away, tying the game at 4-4 in the fourth.

The Chanticleers took control in the fifth inning, scoring six runs on just two hits while taking advantage of walks, hit batters, and defensive miscues to build a 10-4 lead.

Georgia State added a run in the sixth on an RBI groundout from Sellers before Carlson delivered a two-run home run in the seventh to cut the deficit to 12-7.

Coastal Carolina answered with two runs in the seventh and added another in the eighth to pull away.

Carlson led the Panthers offensively with two hits, including a home run, and three RBIs. Silas added two hits and an RBI, while Beverley recorded a hit and drove in a run. Georgia State finished with nine hits in the contest.

On the mound, Brian Crooms (3-3) was charged with the loss after allowing nine runs over 4.1 innings. The Panthers used four pitchers in the game, including Carter Bailey getting his first career pitching appearance. 

The Panthers will continue the three-game series Saturday at 7:00 p.m. on ESPNU.