Doubleheader Wins Notch Series Sweep For Bulldogs

Saturday, February 24

Athens, Ga.

1 p.m.

University of Georgia

5-1

Charlotte

3-3

Charlotte

Georgia Bulldogs

Photo by: Caitlyn Tam

February 24, 2018 | Baseball

Box Score 1 Box Score 2 Box Scores

Doubleheader Wins Notch Series Sweep For Bulldogs

Highlights

Interviews

ATHENS, Ga. – Two victories for the Georgia baseball team against Charlotte, 6-4 and 10-7, earned the Bulldogs' first series sweep of the 2018 campaign Saturday at Foley Field.

A three-run eighth inning lifted Georgia past the 49ers in game one, while senior Keegan McGovern belted three home runs in game two to pace the Bulldog attack. The three-homer game was the first since Rich Poythress did so against Ohio State in the NCAA Regional on May 29, 2009.

McGovern, Georgia's senior two-hole hitter, finished 3-for-6 with four RBIs, three walks and five runs on the day. Other offensive contributors were senior designated hitter Michael Curry (4-8, 2 RBI, 2B, 2R, BB) and junior first baseman Aaron Schunk (3-8, 2B, 2R, 3 RBI).

Trailing 4-3 in the eighth inning of game one, the Bulldogs put across three runs to overtake the lead. McGovern and Shepherd walked, bringing up Curry who hit a screeching line drive to left field that was misplayed. McGovern and Shepherd scored on the play, giving Georgia the 5-4 lead.

Sasser also added an RBI groundout in the same inning for an insurance run that didn't play a factor since Zac Kristofak closed the door in the ninth for his first save of the season.

Earning the win in game one was sophomore Will Proctor (2-1) after tossing three scoreless innings in relief without yielding a hit.

The Bulldogs pounced on the 49ers early in game two, putting up three runs in the first inning and two runs in the second. Georgia scored in each of the first four innings.

With two outs and the bases loaded, Aaron Schunk roped a bases clearing double for the early 3-0 lead.

In the bottom of the fourth, McGovern belted his first homer of the game over the right field scoreboard for the 7-1 Georgia advantage. Two innings later, McGovern matched the first blast with another – this time a two-run homer and to right-center field. Lastly, he hit the center-field pitch backdrop to make it 10-6.

Senior RHP Chase Atkins(1-0) earned the win in game two after going five innings, giving up two runs and five hits. Freshman lefty Ryan Webb picked up his first career save.

Dawg Tracks

-Freshman second baseman Ivan Johnson hit his first career double down the left field line in his first plate appearance in game one of the doubleheader. In the bottom of the 7th inning of game one, he drew his first career walk.
-Sophomore catcher Austin Biggar stole a base in game one. Last season, Biggar finished 1-for-1 in swiped bags. Collectively, this season Georgia is a perfect 4-for-4 in stolen bases through six games.
-Patience continues for McGovern who now has a team-best seven walks after earning three today.
-Michael Curry's three-hit game one marked his second three-hit game of the year.
-McGovern has reached base safely in seven straight games.
-Schunk went 2-for-4 in game two to notch his second multi-hit game of the season.
-McGovern has six home runs this season, matching his season-high he set as a sophomore.

Coaches Corner
Ike Cousins Head Baseball Coach Scott Stricklin

On Keegan McGovern…
"Keegan (McGovern) is seeing the ball really well. He's very comfortable, and he's just loose and relaxed at the plate. He's got a lot of bat speed, and he's got a lot of strength. When he's seeing the ball like he is right now, he's a tough out because he walked three times. If he's not getting his pitches, he walks, and that's what great hitters do. Keegan right now is on fire, and it's just great to see."

On the bullpen…
"Will Proctor was the key to that first game. He was great out of the bullpen and kind of kept things where it was. He did a great job, and Zac Kristofak closed it down...Ryan Webb, as a freshman, throwing 93 miles per hour with the go-ahead run at the plate, and just no panic at all. Nice and calm, and just got it done. "

Player's Perspective
Senior Left Fielder Keegan McGovern
On improvement from last year regarding home runs…
"I'd say the last couple months I've been trying to change my swing. Just try to get my hands in a position to get a little more lift on the ball, and I think that's one of the main things that's helped me out so far."

Sophomore Pitcher Will Proctor
On Keegan McGovern's big day…
"He does that in BP literally every day. He does it on command. Somebody says 'home run round' and everything is going over the fence. It's ridiculous. And the fact that he can do that well in games, that's 6 home runs in 7 games, 5 this week. If he's not National Player of the Week, I don't know who is."

Next Up
The Bulldogs have two midweek home games against Wofford Tuesday at 5 p.m., and Georgia State Wednesday at 5 p.m.