Spring Break
Poythress' home run hat trick lifts Diamond Dogs past Kennesaw State
MICHAEL FITZPATRICK
Issue date: 4/22/09 Section: Sports
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But in his next three official at bats (he walked in the seventh), he beat, battered and bruised the Kennesaw State pitching staff to the tune of three home runs and four RBIs during Georgia's 11-7 win Tuesday at Foley Field.
Poythress became the first Diamond Dog to homer three times in a game since Jeff Keppinger in a 2001 regional game against Coastal Carolina. Coincidentally, Tuesday was also Keppinger's birthday.
"That was a much bigger game, but we needed it tonight and we'll take it," head coach David Perno said. "Most importantly, it started to free everyone else up, except Joey Lewis. He's the final piece and we need to get him going."
Poythress wasn't the only Diamond Dog in the home run trot show as freshmen Colby May, Peter Verdin, Levi Hyams and junior Matt Cerione also joined the party.
"We were fighting it a bit this weekend and when our main guys aren't doing it can be demoralizing," Perno said. "Fortunately, we got a few of the guys going and we played great defense, and when we play defense like we did today and turn double plays when we have the opportunity, we are pretty good."
But while Poythress and the rest of the Diamond Dogs were swinging the sticks, another, and younger, Poythress was picking them up.
Rich's 9-year-old brother Jared served as the Georgia bat boy for the first time this season, and it might start to become a regular occurrence.
"I think we should stuff him in a suitcase and take him to [Oxford, Miss.] with us," Poythress joked. "We'll have to see what coach says about that."
It is something that Perno seemed more than OK with.
"[Jared] was a joy to be around in the dugout and the kids really like him, and I'm sure he's going to get the opportunity to do that again," Perno said. "I hope his parents are coming and that he'll be with them."
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