Spring Break
Gators hold on for one-run win over Diamond Dogs
MICHAEL FITZPATRICK
Issue date: 5/2/09 Section: Sports
The Georgia baseball team put forth a valiant comeback effort, but fell short as the Florida Gators held on to a 7-6 win at Foley Field Saturday.
Georgia starter was nearly unhittable over the first three innings as he struck out seven of nine potential outs. He allowed a two-out solo home run to Gator designated hitter Teddy Foster in the second.
In the fourth, he surrendered another two-out home run, this time a two-run shot by eight-hole hitter Buddy Munroe, to stake the Gators to a 3-0 lead.
The Diamond Dogs quickly answered in the bottom of the frame with three two-out runs to tie the game at 3-3. Catcher Bryce Massanari hit a two-run home run to left and two batters later, left fielder Lyle Allen doubled to score Joey Lewis all the way from first.
Then in the fifth, the rains came - again. The game endured a 33-minute rain delay with two outs in the top of the fifth and a runner on first. When play resumes, McRee struggled with his command as he walked the first batter he faced, threw two wild pitches and committed an error that allowed the Gators to score twice and regain the lead.
Florida extended its lead to 7-3 in the sixth, and looked as if it was going to run away and hide. But Georgia stormed back, as Lewis hit a two-out, two-run home run to halve the Gators lead.
Georgia right fielder Peter Verdin ended the top of the seventh with a phenomenal diving catch in foul territory and gave his team a much needed spark.
Verdin led off the bottom of the inning and singled. Levi Hyams (hit by a pitch) and Michael Demperio (Bunt single) each reached base to load the bases for the top of the order with no outs. The Dogs could only muster one run however (on a Colby May sacrifice fly) as Matt Cerione struck out and Rich Poythress popped out to second.
Whenever Georgia and Florida meet in any sport, expect the unexpected, and Friday's baseball game between the two gave that saying a whole new meaning.
Georgia starter was nearly unhittable over the first three innings as he struck out seven of nine potential outs. He allowed a two-out solo home run to Gator designated hitter Teddy Foster in the second.
In the fourth, he surrendered another two-out home run, this time a two-run shot by eight-hole hitter Buddy Munroe, to stake the Gators to a 3-0 lead.
The Diamond Dogs quickly answered in the bottom of the frame with three two-out runs to tie the game at 3-3. Catcher Bryce Massanari hit a two-run home run to left and two batters later, left fielder Lyle Allen doubled to score Joey Lewis all the way from first.
Then in the fifth, the rains came - again. The game endured a 33-minute rain delay with two outs in the top of the fifth and a runner on first. When play resumes, McRee struggled with his command as he walked the first batter he faced, threw two wild pitches and committed an error that allowed the Gators to score twice and regain the lead.
Florida extended its lead to 7-3 in the sixth, and looked as if it was going to run away and hide. But Georgia stormed back, as Lewis hit a two-out, two-run home run to halve the Gators lead.
Georgia right fielder Peter Verdin ended the top of the seventh with a phenomenal diving catch in foul territory and gave his team a much needed spark.
Verdin led off the bottom of the inning and singled. Levi Hyams (hit by a pitch) and Michael Demperio (Bunt single) each reached base to load the bases for the top of the order with no outs. The Dogs could only muster one run however (on a Colby May sacrifice fly) as Matt Cerione struck out and Rich Poythress popped out to second.
Whenever Georgia and Florida meet in any sport, expect the unexpected, and Friday's baseball game between the two gave that saying a whole new meaning.
Viewing Comments 1 - 3 of 3
once again
posted 5/03/09 @ 12:17 PM EST
once again falling short - seems like they are getting worse instead of better...
ill say it again - NO NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP
gadawg
posted 5/03/09 @ 1:52 PM EST
This series has been terrible. Loosing after an 8-0 lead on Friday and then losing like this on Saturday. Playing Florida is the biggest series in the regular season and the Bulldogs play like they don't even want it. (Continued…)
fan
posted 5/04/09 @ 10:18 AM EST
they should get a second baseman. demperio hasn't and isn't getting the job done. perno laughably said he's the best second baseman he's ever coached. (Continued…)
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