ATLANTA, Ga. – App State was unable to overcome a big fourth inning from the Georgia State offense Friday night, falling 12-1 in the opening game of a three-game set at the GSU Baseball Complex.
The Panthers (26-21, 11-11) did the majority of their damage in an eight-run fourth inning, in which they sent 11 men to the plate. As a team they hit for the cycle in the inning, capped by a two-run homer to left field from Caleb Stewart, to make it a 12-1 ballgame.
The Panthers opened the ballgame with three runs in the first inning, and added one more in the third.
App State (15-27, 6-16) scored their lone run in the top of the third inning.
Alex Aguila began the frame with a single to left, and two batters later
Luke Drumheller reached on an error to put two men aboard.
Andrew Greckel then loaded the bases with a single through the left side. With two outs,
Hayden Cross drew a walk to force Aguila in to score from third base.
After a challenging start to the ballgame, the Mountaineers finished strong on the mound.
Seth Whitley fired 2.1 scoreless innings in relief, without allowing a hit.
Shane Roberts followed by striking out two in the seventh inning, and stranding the bases loaded in a scoreless frame.
Cy Smith then followed with a pair of strikeouts in the eighth inning, retiring the Panthers in order.
The teams will reconvene for game two of the series Saturday at 4 p.m. The 2022 App State Baseball season is presented by Chick-fil-A.
