What You Need to Know:
* Georgia State dropped its series opener at Troy 4-2.
* The Panthers (14-9) remain in second place in the Sun Belt, trailing South Alabama (18-7).
* GSU starter Nathan Bates allowed just three runs on six hits with six strikeouts over six innings.

Troy, Ala. -- Georgia State dropped its series opener at Troy 4-2 Friday night at Riddle-Pace Field. The Panthers (28-21 overall, 14-10 Sun Belt) remain in second place in the Sun Belt Conference.

Troy starter Grant Bennett (9-3) tossed a complete game, holding the Panthers to two unearned runs on six hits to earn his league-leading ninth victory. He struck out seven and walked just one.

Georgia State right-hander Nathan Bates (4-3) turned in a strong start, allowing just three runs on six hits with six strikeouts over six innings.

Troy jumped in front with a pair of runs in the first inning on a two-run single by David Hall. After that, Bates allowed just three hits.

The Panthers scored both of their runs on sacrifice flies. David Levy led off the third inning with a single up the middle, moved to third on a wild pitch and then a passed ball, and then scored on Justin Jones' fly ball.

GSU tied the game in the fifth as James Clements doubled with one out, advanced to third on an errant pickoff throw and then came home on Levy's sacrifice fly to center.

But the Trojans regained the lead for good with another sacrifice fly in the bottom of the fifth, and then Reid Long led off the seventh with a solo homer.

"It was Friday night baseball," head coach Greg Frady said. "Their guy pitched a good game, and our guy did too. We got some hits tonight, but we couldn't put them together. We came up against a good pitcher and it just didn't go our way. We've just got to stay the course, play the full series and bounce back tomorrow."

The series continues with a 4 p.m. ET game Saturday.