Yellow Jackets defeat Panthers 5-1 in final game of invitational

Kaitlyn Medlam delivers a pitch versus UNCW on April 13. Medlam started the first game of the doubleheader, earning the win in an 8-2 victory, and pitched 2.2 innings of scoreless relief in the second game. Rhett Lewis | THE SIGNAL

Georgia State softball dropped its final three matchups of the weekend tournament after winning its first two games of the Georgia Tech/Kennesaw State Invitational.

The Panthers lost to Kennesaw State, No 21 ranked Tulsa and to Georgia Tech by a final score of 5-1.

Georgia State’s lone run came in the top of the third when Ashley Christy scored on an error by senior shortstop Ashley Thomas with Taylor Anderson stealing second after a walk.

Christy reached base on a bunt single, then advanced to second.

In Georgia Tech’s half of the third, they produced a big inning all with two outs. Downs got an infield single, then stole second. Rudnik drove Downs home with a single. Karly Fullem brought Rudnik home with a double, and junior right fielder Katie Johnsky singled to drive home Fullem making it 4-1 Yellow Jackets.

Their lead increased to 5-1 in the bottom of the sixth when sophomore second baseman Maddie Lionberger doubled to Chelsie Thomas who earlier reached base on a fielder’s choice.

Junior pitcher Kylie Kleinschmidt picked up her seventh win on the season. She gave up only four hits, one run, two walks and struck out seven for the complete game.

Kaitlyn Medlam was credited with the loss as her record drops to 3-3. She pitched five innings, gave up five hits, four runs and one walk.

The Panthers’ record dropped to 6-4 as they are now on a three-game losing streak.

The team hopes to turn its fortunes around on Wednesday when it returns home to the Heck Softball Complex for a doubleheader against Mercer.