The postseason path for Old Dominion (21-22, 9-12 Sun Belt) became significantly narrower this weekend as the Monarchs dropped two of three games to Georgia State at the GSU Baseball Complex. Despite an offensive explosion in the series opener, ODU's defensive struggles and a gut-wrenching extra-inning finale allowed the Panthers to escape with the series win.
Game 1: Monarchs Mash in Opener (ODU 10, GSU 2)
The series began with one of ODU’s most efficient road performances of the season. The Monarchs out-hit the Panthers 14-4, using a balanced attack to cruise to an 8-run victory.
- The Breakthrough: After a scoreless start, ODU exploded for four runs in the third inning, highlighted by a Tyler Zedalis RBI double and a two-RBI single from Maverick Stallings.
- Pitching Prowess: Starter Darin Kuskie (3-6) delivered his best performance in Sun Belt play, allowing only one run on three hits over six innings while fanning seven.
- Insurance: Will Johnson and Zach Leite added solo home runs in the late innings to put the contest out of reach.
Game 2: Defensive Miscues Dooms Saturday (GSU 10, ODU 4)
The momentum from Friday evaporated quickly on Saturday as the Panthers capitalized on three ODU errors to plate six unearned runs.
- The Surge: Georgia State took control in the fourth inning with a four-run burst that chased ODU starter Ethan Hubbell from the game.
- Lone Spark: Scotty Young provided a brief highlight with a two-run homer in the fifth, but the Monarch offense was largely silenced by GSU starter Dylan Stricklin, who went seven strong innings.
- Pitching Toll: The ODU bullpen struggled to bridge the gap, allowing 10 runs on 12 hits as the Panthers evened the series.
Game 3: Extra-Inning Heartbreak (GSU 8, ODU 7 - F/10)
Sunday’s rubber match was a heavyweight bout that saw multiple lead changes before a walk-off ending in the tenth frame.
- Back and Forth: ODU took a 4-1 lead in the third behind a Macaddin Dye three-run bomb. The Panthers responded to tie the game at 4-4 in the fifth, only for TJ Aiken to reclaim the lead for ODU with a two-RBI triple in the seventh.
- The Final Frame: Leading 7-6 in the bottom of the ninth, ODU was one strike away from a series win before a GSU pinch-hitter laced an RBI single to force extras. In the tenth, an ODU throwing error allowed the winning run to score from second, handing the Panthers the 8-7 walk-off win.
Top Performers & Series Leaders
| Player | Weekend Impact | Key Stat |
|---|---|---|
| Tyler Zedalis | Continued his torrid pace with hits in all three games. | 5-for-12, 2 2B, 3 RBI |
| Will Johnson | Provided veteran presence and a Game 1 HR. | 4-for-11, HR, 3 RBI, 1 SB |
| Macaddin Dye | Delivered the big swing in Sunday's rubber match. | 1 HR (3-run), 4 RBI |
| TJ Aiken | Reached base consistently and provided clutch triple Sunday. | 4 Hits, 3B, 2 RBI, 2 Runs |
| Darin Kuskie | Dominant Friday start to set the tone. | 6.0 IP, 1 R, 3 H, 7 K |
Interesting Series Stats
- Road Woes: With the series loss, ODU moves to 4-8 in Sun Belt road games this season.
- Close Contest Trend: Sunday's 8-7 defeat marks ODU's seventh loss by a single run in 2026.
- Strikeout Command: Monarch pitching combined for 22 strikeouts over the weekend, but were hampered by giving up 15 free passes.
- Tournament Bubble: ODU currently sits in 10th place in the Sun Belt standings—the final qualifying spot—with several teams trailing by only half a game.
What’s Next?
The Monarchs (21-22) return home for a midweek rivalry game as they host VCU tomorrow, Tuesday, April 28, at 6:00 PM EDT. ODU then continues their postseason push with a three-game home set against Arkansas State starting Friday.
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