CONWAY, S.C. – No. 7 Coastal Carolina used timely hitting and strong pitching to defeat Georgia State, 7-2, on Saturday night at Springs Brooks Stadium, clinching the weekend Sun Belt Conference series.

With the game tied at 1-1 in the third inning, the Chanticleers broke things open. Walker Mitchell delivered a two-run single to left field to give Coastal a 3-1 lead. The Chants continued to apply pressure in the inning, as Rex Watson followed with a two-run single to push the advantage to 5-1.

Mitchell added to his big night in the fifth inning with another RBI single and finished 2-for-4 with a game-high four RBIs. Watson also drove in two runs as Coastal's offense capitalized on key opportunities.

Leading 6-2 in the seventh inning, Blake Barthol added the finishing touch, launching his third home run of the season. Barthol went 2-for-3 at the plate to help pace the Chanticleer offense.

On the mound, Ross Norman earned the win, improving to 5-3 on the season. The right-hander tossed 5.1 innings, allowing two runs on six hits while striking out five and walking one.

Darin Horn closed the door out of the bullpen, tossing the final 3.2 innings without allowing no hits while striking out five to earn his fifth save of the season.

With the win, Coastal Carolina improves to 28-10 overall and 15-2 in Sun Belt Conference play.

The Chanticleers and Panthers will conclude the three-game series on Sunday afternoon at 1 p.m. on ESPN+.