DECATUR, Ga. (Interstat) — Jackson Williams launched a three-run homer in a chaotic first inning and the Alabama State bullpen delivered seven and two-thirds innings of hitless relief as the Hornets defeated Georgia State 7-4 on Tuesday night at the Georgia State Baseball Complex.

The Hornets (12-11) sent nine men to the plate in the opening frame against Georgia State starter Jacob Crews, who failed to record an out. Miguel Oropeza led off with a single and, after a hit batsman, Williams connected for his home run to left field, staking Alabama State to a 3-0 lead before an out was recorded. The inning continued with a walk and another hit batsman before reliever William Petteys entered. Petteys allowed an RBI double to Oropeza and a run-scoring fielder’s choice before finally extinguishing the rally, but the damage was severe: a seven-run, six-hit first inning that saw 12 Hornets come to bat.

The most important part of the game was Alabama State’s immediate and overwhelming offensive outburst in the top of the first inning. It placed immense pressure on the Panthers’ pitching staff and provided a sizable cushion that allowed the Hornets to aggressively deploy their bullpen for the remainder of the contest. Georgia State (13-13) never recovered from the early deficit, despite a persistent effort.

The Panthers answered with two runs in their half of the first against Alabama State starter Jaxon Baptist. Wills Maginnis singled, Nick Garagozzo walked, and both moved up on a balk. John Beverley then drove them in with a single to center, cutting the lead to 7-2. That prompted the first of seven pitching changes for the Hornets, who turned the game over to their relievers with one out in the second inning.

From there, the Alabama State bullpen dominated. Jorhan LaBoy, Jacob Loeffler, Caleb Sanders, Zane Baltz, James Peterson and Camden Matthews combined to allow no hits over the final seven and two-thirds innings. They walked six and hit two batters, but repeatedly worked out of jams. Georgia State’s only other runs came via a sacrifice fly from Beverley in the seventh and an unearned run in the ninth on an RBI single from Lucas Grantham.

Petteys was the lone bright spot for the Panthers’ pitching staff, providing stability after the disastrous start. He worked 4 1/3 innings, allowing four hits and three earned runs while striking out four. Offensively, Beverley drove in three of Georgia State’s four runs.

Oropeza led Alabama State’s 11-hit attack, going 3 for 4 with a walk, two doubles and two RBIs. Williams finished 2 for 4 with the decisive three-run homer. Jose Alfonso added two hits, including an RBI double during a two-run sixth inning that extended the Hornets’ lead.

The win moves Alabama State above .500 on the season, while Georgia State falls back to an even 13-13. The Hornets begin a three-game series at Florida A&M on Friday. Georgia State opens Sun Belt Conference play at home against Texas State on Friday.