BOONE, N.C. – Appalachian State University baseball exploded with seven multi-hit efforts in two games to conclude the series, downing Georgia State in a doubleheader, 6-1, 13-1.
The Mountaineers (16-24, 6-12 Sun Belt) won their second conference series of the season and their fourth win in its last six games by limiting the Panthers (14-25, 4-14 Sun Belt) to just two runs all day.
GAME ONE: APP STATE 6, GEORGIA STATE 1
Appalachian trailed to start the first game of the doubleheader as Georgia State was able to get a home run in the second inning to start things off. However, the scoring would end there as the Black and Gold immediately responded in the bottom half with an Avery Jackson homer – his third in the last five games.
The Mountaineers stayed on the attack, getting to more runs in the third as a Jason Curtis hit-by-pitch and a Tyler Stroup double down the right-field line set up great positioning. Drake Zupcic continued his strong weekend by bringing the play to fruition with a shot down the right-field line to bring both home.
Moving to the seventh, App State used a center field rocket by Calev Grubbs and two Panther errors to set up Curtis scoring on a wild pitch. They put the final runs on the board an inning later when a Conner Leonard single through the left side set up a two-RBI jack to right field by Brian Bauk – his first of the season.
On the mound, the Mountaineers kept the throttle punched for nearly the entire game. Luke Watts received the win on the day for throwing six scoreless innings (seven total), allowing just five hits overall and striking out five. Matt Brill got his third save of the year, pitching the remaining two innings of the game, allowing just one hit and one walk, while also getting a strikeout.
GAME TWO: APP STATE 13, GEORGIA STATE 1 (7 inn.)
Without any letdown from Game One, Appalachian State continued to rake, getting 16 total hits for the game and six batters with two or more hits.
Once again, the Panthers were the first to get on the board, getting one run off two hits in the top of the first, but the Diamond Apps used a four-run second inning to blow past them and never look back in the series.
The second inning began with an Avery Jackson hit-by-pitch and Brian Bauk double to right center that gave Bradley Davis the opportunity to get his first career RBI after getting his first collegiate hit the game prior and he took advantage. Davis sent a bullet to right field to bring home Jackson and allow Calev Grubbs to sacrifice Bauk home and move Davis to second.
Matt Vernon then sent one to deep left field, which brought home Davis and pushed the lead out further. Jason Curtis drew a four-pitch walk before Tyler Stroup joined the hit party, singling through the left side to bring home Vernon.
In the next at-bat for the Mountaineers in the third, the offense took advantage of Jackson reaching on a fielding error and Conner Leonard drawing a four-pitch walk, which set up an RBI single for Bauk, bringing home Jackson. Grubbs then laid down a beautiful bunt that he was able to stretch to a single before Vernon hit a sacrifice fly that plated Leonard.
Appalachian extended its lead in the fourth by one run as Bauk continued to plant seeds in the outfield, this time bringing home Drake Zupcic.
In the fifth inning, App State had its second four-run inning of the afternoon, as a Vernon walk and Curtis single up the middle starting things off. Zupcic fired one through the left side to bring home Vernon and then Jackson was able to get the walk. Leonard once again came through clutch with the bases loaded, sending a screamer right down the right field line to plate everyone and stand up at second.
App State's offense finished its job in the sixth when Grubbs got his second hit of the day through the ride side before Vernon doubled down the left field line. Curtis then hit a sacrifice fly to score Grubbs before Stroup finished things up with a first-pitch shot up the middle to bring in Vernon.
The Game Three run rule ended the game after the top of the seventh.
Zupcic and Leonard led in the second game, going 3-for-5 and 3-for-4, respectively. Vernon, Curtis, Stroup and Grubbs all finished with two hits while Leonard led all with his three RBI.
After going for just an inning on Friday due to the rain delay, Travis Holden was able to get his full start in for Game Three, once again having a fine outing. Holden went 5.0 innings and allowed five hits, striking out three batters on the night.
Matt Schaeffer provided an inning of relief, allowing just a hit and getting a strikeout, while Dallas DeVrieze finished the final inning off without allowing a hit and striking out one as well.
The Mountaineers continue this seven-game homestand when they host East Tennessee State on Tuesday, April 25. First pitch is scheduled for 5 p.m.
