The Georgia Bulldogs were clearly the more superior team in Saturday night’s 6-2 victory over the UAB Blazers. Georgia was led by an outstanding pitching performance by redshirt junior, Patrick Boling.
Boling pitched a career-high 5 1/3 innings of scoreless baseball, registered four strikeouts and only gave up two hits en route to his first win of the 2013 season. In his third start, the Winder, Ga. native flashed excellent command, while only throwing 45 pitches through his first four innings of work; 27 being strikes.
During the top of the second frame, UAB right fielder Jeff Schalk hit a line drive that nailed the Georgia starting pitcher on his right calf. Boling immediately shook off the pain, snatched the ball up from the ground and threw out Schalk before he could reach first base. He then struck out first baseman Tyler Mims to cap the second inning.
Boling acknowledged that he felt pain in his right calf for the rest of the game, but managed to tolerate it. “It was actually kind of a struggle today, especially after getting hit in the calf, but we figured it out,” said Boling.
PATIENCE IS A VIRTUE …
The Diamond Dawgs’ offense certainly took advantage of UAB’s fielding miscues, especially in the bottom of the third inning when UAB second baseman Wes Kent, scooped up a fielder’s choice to second, but hesitated and was indecisive on where to throw the ball that it cost his team the out. The costly mistake allowed the Dawgs to capitalize with two sacrifice flies by shortstop Kyle Farmer and outfielder Hunter Cole, which propelled Georgia to a 2-0 lead in the bottom of the third inning.
In the bottom of the 5th inning, Georgia became more patient, making UAB starting pitcher, James Naile, pitch more strikes. In doing so, the Bulldogs’ philosophy of patience paid off. The team accounted for four runs, courtesy of an RBI double to left field by Kyle Farmer, his 2nd RBI of the game, as well as a bases-clearing triple to center by Brett Deloach, which was less than two feet from going over the wall for a grand slam.
“We know if we’re up there taking good at bats, seeing a lot of pitches and getting pitchers in deep counts, then we’re working them and they’re getting tired and we’re getting better pitches to hit,” said Deloach.
“We’re taking a few more pitches and letting the game come to us a little more and waiting for some opportunities,” said coach Dave Perno.
The Diamond Dawgs also got some work from senior reliever, Brian Benzor, whom pitched 2 2/3 innings. Benzor pitched out of a bases-loaded jam in the top of the sixth, but surrendered two runs in the top of the eighth. Sophomore, Jarrett Brown pitched a 1-2-3 scoreless ninth inning to seal the deal for the Dawgs, giving the team its first winning streak of the season.
Georgia will go for the sweep on Sunday.
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