ATLANTA, GA -- Georgia State kept pace early behind a pair of run-scoring hits from Hunter Carlson, but App State pulled away late to take the series opener 12-2 Thursday night at the GSU Baseball Complex.
The Panthers fall to 24-28 overall and 12-16 in Sun Belt play, while App State improves to 30-20 overall and 17-11 in conference action.
App State opened the scoring in the first inning on a two-run home run from Riley Luft, but Georgia State answered in the bottom half. Wills Maginnis singled, stole second and came around to score on an RBI single from Carlson to cut the deficit to 2-1. The Mountaineers added a run in the second, third, and fourth innings to build a 5-1 lead.
Georgia State got one back in the fifth inning. John Beverley singled to right field, stole second, and advanced to third before Carlson delivered his second RBI single of the night to make it 5-2.
The Panthers had traffic early, but App State starter Nick DiRito limited the damage, striking out 11 over five innings. Georgia State was held scoreless over the final four innings.
App State broke the game open in the ninth, scoring seven runs on three hits, highlighted by a grand slam from Brooks Wright.
Carlson led Georgia State offensively with a 3-for-4 performance and two RBIs. Beverley added two hits, a run scored, and a stolen base, while Maginnis recorded a hit, scored a run, and stole a base.
Will Bartkoski took the loss after allowing five runs over five innings while striking out five. Jacob Crews provided three scoreless innings of relief, allowing one hit and striking out four.
Georgia State and App State will continue the series on Friday at 6:00 p.m. at the GSU Baseball Complex.
