A Late Game Rally Hands Army 5-2 Loss

EMERSON, GA. – The Army West Point baseball team fell here Sunday afternoon to Georgia State, 5-2, at Lakepoint Sporting Community.

The Black Knights saw the Panthers jump out to the 1-0 edge after the top of the second inning but the Cadets would answer in the bottom half thanks to squeeze bunt from senior David Monge. That hit turned into an infield single and allowed John McCarthy enough time to touch home plate, knotting the score at 1-1.

It was a battle throughout the next four-and-a-half innings, as neither team was able to break the deadlock. Army finally did so in the bottom of the seventh when the Black Knights sparked a two-out rally. Jon Rosoff reached on a throwing error late in the inning and Josh White was able to touch home for the 2-1 Cadets advantage.

Unfortunately, four unanswered runs from the Panthers over the next two innings ultimately handed the designated away team the victory.

Carter Van Gytenbeek had a solid outing in his first career start. The rookie allowed just two hits, one earned run, and five walks during his 5.0 innings of work. The Greenwood Village, Colo., native struck out a season high four batters while on the mound as well.

Logan Smith came in for relief and pitched an impressive two innings, posting a clean sheet, giving up just two walks. The rookie also fanned four batters of his own.

Drake Titus and Blake Walters then combined to close out the final two innings. Titus allowed four hits and three earned runs while registering the loss in the circle, before Walters gave up two hits and one earned run in his 1.1 innings of work.

McCarthy finished 2-for-2 on the day with a run scored. He was Army’s lone player with multiple hits in the game.

The two teams will wrap up with a 2 p.m. Wednesday contest. The game will be played at the Lakepoint Sporting Community in Emerson, Ga.