MONROE, La. -- ULM scored a single run in five of the last six innings, but it was not enough to overcome an early deficit as the Warhawks fell to visiting Georgia State, 6-5, Friday night at Warhawk Field.
Georgia State (24-26, 10-15) jumped on the scoreboard first with a single run in the top of the first inning. The Panthers were able to push the lead to 4-0 with a trio of runs in the top of the third. Chase Raffield highlighted the frame with a solo homer over the wall in left field.
The Panthers pushed their lead to 5-0 in the top of the fourth, but the Warhawks (20-31, 9-16) responded with their first run of the game in the home half of the inning. Dalton Herrington was able to race home from second when Chet Simoneaux was able to reach base on a fielding error by shortstop Chad Prain with two outs in the inning.
The Warhawks closed the gap to 5-2 an inning later as Keelin Rasch delivered an infield single that allowed Jeff Fuller to score from third base.
After Georgia State pushed the lead to 6-2 in the top of the sixth, the Warhawks scored in the next two frames to close the gap to just two runs. ULM had a pair of runners in scoring position with two outs in the bottom of the seventh, but the squad was unable to push the runs across and the score remained 6-4 in favor of Georgia State.
The Warhawks were able to push one run across in the ninth but it was not enough as the Warhawks fell to the Panthers, 6-5, in the series opener.
ULM starter Jared Dye (1-2) was tagged with the loss after allowing five runs (four earned) on seven hits with one walk and three strikeouts in 3.1 innings of work.
Georgia State's Kenny Anderson (5-4) earned the win after tossing 6.1 innings in which he allowed four runs (three earned) on eight hits with two walks and three punchouts. Kevin Burgee earned his seventh save of 2014 as he tossed the final 2.2 innings, allowing one run on three hits.
The two teams will return to the diamond for game two of the weekend series tomorrow night. First pitch between the Warhawks and the Panthers is slated for 6 p.m.
For updates throughout the season on the ULM baseball team, be sure to follow the squad on twitter @ULM_BSB. Support the Warhawks through participation in the Athletic Foundation, join the ULMAF by calling 318-342-5415. Be sure to cheer on your Warhawks in person; to purchase tickets, please call 318-342-3ULM or visit the athletic ticket homepage.
Post-Game Notes:
· Friday's game was the first-ever meeting on the diamond between the Warhawks and the Panthers.
· Dalton Herrington reached base safely for the 19th consecutive game and his streak of 19 straight games is the longest of the season for the Warhawks.
· ULM used a total of five pitchers Friday night, while Georgia State used just two.
Scoring Summary:
· GSU 1, ULM 0 – Top 1: Joey Roach singled to left field; Chad Prain scored from third.
· GSU 2, ULM 0 – Top 3: Chase Raffield homered to left field.
· GSU 3, ULM 0 – Top 3: Nic Wilson scored on a wild pitch.
· GSU 4, ULM 0 – Top 3: Caden Bailey flied out to center field, sacrifice fly; Joey Roach scored from third.
· GSU 5, ULM 0 – Top 4: Chase Raffield singled through the left side; Chad Prain scored from second (unearned).
· GSU 5, ULM 1 – Bottom 4: Chet Simoneaux reached on a fielding error at shortstop; Dalton Herrington scored from second (unearned).
· GSU 5, ULM 2 – Bottom 5: Keelin Rasch singled to second base; Jeff Fuller scored from third.
· GSU 6, ULM 2 – Top 6: Nic Wilson singled to left field; Chris Triplett scored from third.
· GSU 6, ULM 3 – Bottom 6: Chet Simoneaux singled through the left side; Dalton Herrington scored from second.
· GSU 6, ULM 4 – Bottom 7: Dalton Herrington singled through the left side; Kodie Tidwell scored from second.
· GSU 6, ULM 5 – Bottom 9: Keelin Rasch grounded out to shortstop; Cody Stone scored from third.
