NASHVILLE, Tenn. -- The Belmont Bruins rallied late but came up short in a 4-2 result to Georgia State on Saturday afternoon at E.S. Rose Park. With the loss, Belmont moves to 4-8 on the season, while Georgia State improves to 9-4.
Georgia State struck first in the opening inning, capitalizing on an RBI fielder's choice from W. Maginnis to take a 1-0 lead. The Panthers extended their advantage in the second inning with a sacrifice bunt RBI from A. Sellers and an RBI single by J. Williams, pushing the margin to 3-0.
Belmont starter Sam Heyman (0-2) worked 4.0 innings, allowing three runs on five hits while striking out three. The Bruins' bullpen combined for five innings of relief, highlighted by scoreless outings from Andrew Perry, Brooks McDonnough, and Jonathon Van Ness to keep Belmont within striking distance.
The Bruins broke through in the eighth inning. After Brody Langlotz reached base, Cavan McMeans delivered the big swing of the day, launching a two-run home run to cut the deficit to 3-2.
However, Georgia State responded in the ninth as Maginnis connected on a solo home run to extend the lead back to two runs at 4-2.
Belmont threatened in the bottom of the ninth, bringing the tying run to the plate, but Georgia State closer W. Bartkoski secured the final outs to earn his first save of the season.
Offensively, McMeans led the Bruins with a two-run homer and two RBIs, while Godsey and Whitworth each added a hit. Belmont drew seven walks in the contest but was limited to three total hits.
Up Next
The Bruins are on the road for a mid-week trip to Middle Tennesse on Wednesday March 4, with first pitch at 4:00 pm from Murfreesboro, Tenn.Â
Follow Belmont baseball on social media - @BelmontBaseball on Twitter and @belmontbaseball on Instagram - for complete coverage of the Bruins. Stay up to date with all of Belmont's athletic programs via the official app of the Belmont Bruins, available both in the Apple App Store and on Google Play.
#ItsBruinTime
