DECATUR, Ga.- On Wednesday, the Georgia Bulldogs traveled to Decatur, Ga., to take on the Georgia State Panthers in a mid-week matchup. Georgia won 7-3.
Here are some takeaways on the Bulldogs during the recent in-state matchup.
It Was a Short-Lived Start for Zach Harris
Head coach Wes Johnson gave Zach Harris the start for Georgia. He only lasted 1 1/3 innings and gave up three hits and three earned runs that gave Georgia State an early lead.
This was Harris’ second start of the season, as his first came back on opening day against Quinnipiac. That start looked more polished as he went four innings, gave up just one earned run and struck out three batters.
In the second inning, the right-hander was replaced by reliever Paul Farley.
Georgia’s Relievers Shut Down the Panthers’ Lineup After Harris’ Start
Farley did well in his relief outing. He was followed up by Brian Zeldin and Tyler McLoughlin, who also had good outings out of the bullpen.
The three relievers combined for no hits, no earned runs, and two strikeouts.
Zeldin and McLoughlin were highly efficient, throwing 14 strikes in 20 pitches.
This kind of relief eventually paid off as it set up a big sixth inning for Georgia’s offense.
Along with these three arms out of the bullpen, Davis Chastain, D.J. Radtke, and Brian Curley gave up no hits against the Panthers.
Georgia’s Offense Struggled Through the First Five Innings of the Game
The Bulldogs had a rough time getting the offense started in Decatur. Henry Hunter was the only player to record a hit over the first five innings of the game.
Georgia’s lineup combined for five strikeouts over this same stretch. Some players that struck out during these rough five innings included Slate Alford, Ryan Black, and Ryland Zaborowski.
This was a weird change from their explosive weekend against UIC when they scored 51 runs in a four-game series sweep.
Georgia’s Offense Came Alive in the Sixth and Seventh Innings
The Bulldogs tied the game in the sixth inning thanks to big plays from big contributors. Black got the second hit of the game for Georgia.
Alford followed that up with a two-run home run. This is his second long ball of the season.
Then, Robbie Burnett tied it with a nifty play from third base to home. He read the first baseman making an unassisted out and took advantage by scoring.
Georgia took the lead after some Georgia State miscues in the seventh inning. A walk, hit batter, and a sacrifice bunt play led to Erik Parker scoring off Alford grounding out.
A wild pitch then came, leading to a score from Kolby Branch. This made it a 5-3 game in favor of Georgia.
Star hitter Tre Phelps then hit a two-run home run to extend the lead even further in the 7th inning, making the score 7-3.
The Bulldogs cruised after that explosive seventh inning to take the win back home to Athens.
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