By David Rogers. BOONE, N.C. — Before a crowd that topped the 1,000 mark for the first time in 2023, with temperatures near 70 degrees Fahrenheit and sunny to partly cloudy skies at Smith Stadium, Appalachian State baseball dropped Game 2 of its Sun Belt Conference series with Georgia State, 10-4, on March 25.
The Mountaineers plated a run in each of the first two innings and in each of the last two innings, but in between they could do little in the way of offensive production. Meanwhile, the Panthers took advantage of the wind blowing out toward left field, with three home runs on the afternoon, two by shortstop Jesse Donohoe and one by centerfielder Max Ryerson.
Georgia State senior righthander Ryan Watson was one out away from a complete game shutout in the bottom of the ninth when App State third baseman ripped a 2-out double down the left field line, scoring earlier pinch hitter Vasili Kaloudis. Panthers head coach Brad Stromdahl decided to take no chances for a Mountaineer rally, inserting freshman righthanded reliever Davis Chastain to get the final out.
In earning the win, Watson (2-1) scattered 7 App State hits in allowing the 4 runs, striking out five.
The Mountaineers got four doubles in the afternoon’s play, one each by Xavier Moronta, Hayden Cross, Hunter Wilder and the aforementioned Terrell. They just couldn’t do anything with the runners in scoring position.
The two teams will meet again on Sunday, March 26, with first pitch scheduled for 1 p.m.
Key Individual Performances
- APP – Xavier Moronta (DH): 1-4, 1 run scored, 2B
- APP – Luke Drumheller (2B): 2-4, 1 run scored, 1 RBI
- APP – Hunter Wilder (CF): 1-3, 1 run scored, 2B
- APP – Andrew Terrell (3B): 1-2, 1 RBI, 1 walk, 2B
- APP – Hayden Cross (C): 1-4, 1 RBI, 2B
- GSU – Ryan Watson (starting pitcher: 8.2 innings, 4 runs on 7 hits
- GSU – Jesse Donohoe (2B): 2-4, 3 runs scored, 3 RBIs, 2 HRs
- GSU – Max Ryerson (DH): 1-3, 1 run scored, 1 RBI, HR
- GSU – Matt Ruiz (SS): 2-4, 3 runs scored, 1 stolen base
- GSU – Dylan Strickland (LF): 2-4, 1 run scored, 2 RBIs, 2B
BONUS PHOTOS
