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The Huskies scored four times in the ninth inning, but it was not enough to catch Georgia State as NU dropped a 10-7 decision in Atlanta on Friday night. The Panthers scored six runs in the bottom of the eighth, spoiling a big offensive night for the Huskies. David Gustafson hit his second home run of the season and added an RBI double, while Matt Miller, Tony DiCesare and John Puttress each chipped in two hits.

Starter Les Williams had a good night, going six innings while allowing four runs (three earned) and striking out five. Reliever Dan Zehr did not fare as well, giving up six runs in just 1-1/3 innings. Sam Berg got the final two outs on the mound, one of which came by strikeout.

Gustafson's home run was a solo job in the first that put NU up 1-0 before the Panthers could even grab their bats. Once they did, though, they evened up the score at 1-1, taking advantage of a passed ball and a single up the middle.

NU struck again in the third inning, using a lead-off single from Miller and Gustafson's ensuing double. Miller scored from first on the drive to left center. NU carried the 2-1 lead over the next two innings, and even added to it, going up 3-1 in the sixth.

Gustafson led off with a walk, moved to second on a groundout and scored when Frank Compagnone drilled a double down the left field line. Puttress followed that with a single, but Compagnone was thrown out at the plate from right field.

Georgia State fought back in the bottom of the sixth, scoring once to put the score at 3-2. The Panthers picked it up a notch in the seventh, tacking two more on to take a 4-3 lead.

Then the Georgia State offense showed why it is one of the best in the nation.

The Panthers scored six runs using four singles, a double and a handful of walks to go up 10-3. The Huskies didn't help themselves, committing two errors, although Berg did escape the inning with the bases loaded.

NU wouldn't go down without a fight in the ninth. The Huskies, who had scored five runs combined in the ninth inning prior to tonight, scored four times to put a scare into the Panthers. Puttress, Jeff Dunlap and John Leroux ripped off three straight singles before GSU finally got an out. Then Alan Pastyrnak and Miller hit consecutive singles, putting the score at 10-6. Gustafson hit a sacrifice fly to score Pastyrnak to put the game at 10-7 with two outs and a runner on. But a groundout to third was all NU could muster, ending the rally and the game.

The Huskies and Panthers continue their series with game two tomorrow afternoon. Game time is scheduled for 1 p.m. Senior Charly Bashara will be on the mound for NU as the Huskies try to even up the series. Live stats and radio links will be posted tomorrow.