MILLEDGEVILLE - Georgia Southwestern surrendered five runs in the fifth inning - to fall behind 12-4 - and No. 16 Georgia College cruised to a 14-5 victory over the Hurricanes on Friday evening in Game 1 of the weekend Peach Belt Conference series at John Kurtz Field.

The Bobcats wasted no time getting on the board with a four-run first inning.

GSW answered with three runs in the third inning, highlighted by Zack Stanton’s two-run home run.

GCSU added three runs of their own in the bottom of the frame to push the lead back to four.  

Bud Long opened the fifth inning with a home run for GSW, his fifth round-tripper of the season.

After the five-run fifth from GCSU, Southwestern plated one more run in the eighth off a double from Kevin Carroll down the left field line.

Georgia College scored their final two runs in the bottom of the eighth inning.

GSW starter Jody Sellars (5-2) threw 2 1/3 innings, allowed seven runs (six earned) and five hits to take the loss. Brandon Reeder surrendered five runs in 2 1/3 innings of relief before Corey Hawes tossed 2 1/3 scoreless innings. Stephen Daneman pitched the final frame and gave up two runs.

Jason Nicholas (2-1) picked up the win for GCSU throwing six innings, allowing four runs and six hits. Ryan Parson pitched the final three innings and allowed one run for his second save of the season.

Long, Paschel Poston and Trent Dooley led GSW hitters with two hits apiece.

Shawn Ward went 3-for-3 with two home runs and six RBIs to lead Georgia College at the plate. Sean Harrell was 3-for-4 with three runs and an RBI.

Southwestern (19-9, 8-5 PBC) and Georgia College (21-10, 10-3) are back at John Kurtz Field on Saturday for a doubleheader starting at 1 p.m.