NCAA Baseball: Georgia Bulldogs Fall Short In 11 Innings
By Danny Bishop
Photo Credit: Marvin Gentry-USA TODAY Sports
Despite recording more than twice the number of hits as its opponent, Georgia fell short in the 11th inning and dropped a 5-4 decision to close out its series with Belmont Sunday at Foley Field.
The Bulldogs (2-5) now have lost four one-run games this year while the Bruins improve to 5-2. On Sunday, the Bulldogs found themselves down by three runs going into the bottom of the 11th after three pitchers combined for four walks, two wild pitches and a balk in the top of the frame. They answered back with four hits to pull within one run and had the winning run on first base with two outs before pinch hitter Blake Dieterich struck out to end the game.
Georgia went an impressive 15-for-45 at the plate, with senior Curt Powell recording a career-high five hits on six at-bats. Powell became the first Bulldog since Levi Hyams in 2011 to register five hits in a game. Senior Kyle Farmer, Hunter Cole, Brett DeLoach and Zack Bowers all had multi-hit showings, as well. Belmont only managed six hits thanks in part to a solid performance from Bulldog starter Luke Crumley, who pitched a career-high 5.1 innings that included 11 straight outs.
Bruins reliever Josh Davis picked up his first win of the season and Dom Veltri got the save in a grueling game that saw 12 different pitchers for both teams. Sophomore Heath Holder got the loss to fall to 0-1.
“Today was a huge game, just from a mentality standpoint,” Georgia head coach David Perno said. “ Nobody wants to be sitting there 2-5 and 1-3 at home. You couldn’t ask for a worse start with this team and these expectations. It’s really tough. I was happy to see Kyle Farmer and Hunter Cole have multiple hit games and a big day from Curt Powell too. We just ran out of guys. That’s the bottom line. I thought Luke Crumley gave us a nice start and we got some solid relief pitching all day until that last inning.”
The Bulldogs return to action Tuesday when they go on the road to face Georgia State. First pitch is slated for 4 p.m.
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