CONWAY, S.C. – No. 7 Coastal Carolina built an early lead but could not hold off a late surge by Georgia State, falling 11-5 in Sunday's Sun Belt Conference series finale at Springs Brooks Stadium.
The Chanticleers struck first in the second inning, as Jordan Taylor launched a two-run home run to left field, his third of the season, to give Coastal a 2-0 advantage.
After Georgia State answered with a run in both the third and fourth innings to even the score at 2-2, the Chants responded in the bottom of the fourth. Brice Estep delivered a two-run home run to put Coastal back in front, and Colby Thorndyke followed with a solo shot to left field, marking back-to-back home runs for the Chanticleers. It was the first time Coastal has gone back-to-back since Wells Sykes and Ty Dooley accomplished the feat last March at Troy, pushing the lead to 5-2.
Georgia State chipped away at the deficit with home runs in both the sixth and seventh innings to tie the game at 5-5.
The Panthers broke the game open in the eighth inning, scoring six runs to take an 11-5 lead and secure the series finale.
With the loss, Coastal Carolina moves to 28-11 overall and 15-3 in Sun Belt Conference play.
The Chanticleers will return to action on Tuesday night at UNC Wilmington. First pitch is set for 6 p.m. on FloSports.
