JOHNSON CITY, TENN. -- Georgia State got home runs from Will Mize and Elian Merejo but fell 9-3 at ETSU Saturday in the series opener at Thomas Stadium.

The Panthers (5-4) took a 2-0 lead on the solo homers by Mize and Merejo off ETSU starter Landon Knack (3-0), who entered the game with a 2-0 record, a 0.00 ERA and just three hits allowed in his first two starts.

Mize, the freshman shortstop, hit the first pitch of the second inning over the left field fence for his first home run in a Georgia State uniform.

Merejo, the senior, led off the fourth with his solo shot, a towering blast to left field for this team-leading third homer of the season.

After ETSU (7-2) moved ahead with a four-run fifth inning, Mize pulled the Panthers within 4-3 in the sixth with an RBI double down the left field line, scoring Josh Smith, who walked.

In his last four games, Mize has eight hits and nine RBI. He leads the Panthers with a .447 average and 11 RBI.

Georgia State starter Seth Clark (0-1) turned in a career-long outing, pitching 6.1 innings. The sophomore lefty allowed six runs but only four earned on just four hits while striking out five.

Still leading just 4-3, ETSU pulled away with three unearned runs in the seventh, aided by an error, two balks and a passed ball.

The series concludes with a doubleheader Sunday beginning at noon.