CONWAY, SC -- Georgia State got a strong offensive night from John Beverley, but a four-run third inning by No. 7 Coastal Carolina proved to be the difference in a 7-2 loss Saturday evening at Springs Brooks Stadium.
 

The Panthers fall to 19-21 on the season, while Coastal Carolina improves to 28-10.

Coastal Carolina struck first in the opening inning, using aggressive baserunning to manufacture a run for a 1-0 lead.

Georgia State answered in the third inning. Wills Maginnis singled and stole second before Nick Garagozzo worked a walk. John Beverley followed with an RBI single to center field to tie the game at 1-1.

The Chanticleers responded immediately in the bottom half with their biggest inning of the night. Coastal Carolina scored four runs on three hits, highlighted by a two-RBI single from Walker Mitchell and another two-run single from Rex Watson to take a 5-1 lead.

Coastal Carolina added another run in the fifth inning to extend the lead to 6-1.

Georgia State chipped away in the sixth. Beverley singled and advanced into scoring position before Sam Silas delivered an RBI sacrifice bunt to cut the deficit to 6-2.

The Chanticleers added an insurance run in the seventh on a solo home run from Blake Barthol to push the lead to 7-2.

Beverley led the Panthers offensively with a 3-for-4 performance, an RBI, and four stolen bases, while Silas added a hit and an RBI. Maginnis also recorded a hit and scored a run as Georgia State finished with six hits.

On the mound, Michael Caruso (4-5) took the loss, allowing seven runs over 6.2 innings while striking out seven. Will Bartkoski and Niall Todd combined for 1.1 scoreless innings of relief.

Georgia State will look to salvage the series in the finale Sunday at 1:00 p.m.