Top 5: The best Georgia SEC Network Takeover viewing options

Georgia baseball versus NC State – June 8, 2008

Given Georgia baseball’s recent years, it feels like more than eight years have passed since the Diamond Dogs last played for the College World Series.

That 2008 team was special. Led by former coach David Perno, the Diamond Dogs had a solid pitching staff. It was mostly the offense, though, that gave Georgia so much success. Great hitters such as Gordon Beckham, Ryan Peisel and Rich Poythress powered the Diamond Dogs’ offensive attack.

Georgia went 43-23 and won the SEC that year, followed by a strong run in the postseason. In order to advance to the College World Series, the Diamond Dogs had to knock off NC State in the Super Regional round. They did it in impressive fashion.

The Diamond Dogs and the Wolfpack were knotted up at 1-1 in the series, forcing a third game. Georgia raced out to a 9-0 lead in the first inning and never looked back, upending NC State 17-8.

This game was an offensive showcase, with Peisel, Bryce Massanari and Joey Lewis all smacking home runs. It was Beckham, though, who shined the brightest, drilling two homers and finishing 3-for-4 with a walk and four RBIs.

Georgia later lost the 2008 College World Series to Fresno State, but the thrilling win over NC State serves as a pleasant reminder of how great the baseball program once was.

It will air at 3:30 a.m.

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