University of Georgia Athletics
Georgia Defeats Arkansas 13-2 To Win Series
March 16, 2008 | Baseball
FAYETTEVILLE, ARK. --- Georgia junior Nathan Moreau pitched six strong innings and Gordon Beckham hit two home runs and drove in five to lead the Bulldogs to a 13-2 series-clinching win over No. 21 Arkansas Sunday at Baum Stadium.
The Bulldogs (8-7, 2-1 SEC) dropped the SEC opener 5-1 Friday and were trailing 10-1 Saturday after five innings and then stormed back to win the SEC series. From that point Saturday, Georgia outscored the Razorbacks (12-5, 1-2 SEC) 27-3. Georgia began the week splitting with fourth-ranked Florida State in Tallahassee. Georgia is 5-6 against top 25 opponents this year.
"I think the tough schedule is starting to pay dividends," said Georgia coach David Perno. "There aren't many SEC series that you win after you lose on Friday and then come back to get the next two, and we were able to do that."
On Sunday, Georgia built a 3-0 lead in the first off Arkansas freshman James Mahler and then Beckham (4-for-5, 2 HRs, 5 RBI) launched a solo home run for a 4-0 advantage. Meanwhile, Moreau was cruising through the first five innings and tied his career high with eight strikeouts. Georgia added five runs on four hits in the fourth to extend its lead to 9-0. Senior Matt Olson and junior Bryce Massanari drove in a pair of runs apiece to key the outburst. Beckham added a three-run home run in the ninth for his third two-home run game of the season. For the year, he is battin 507 with nine home runs and 23 RBI.
"Gordon is on pace to be Player of the Year, he's locked in and hopefully that will continue," Perno added. "He's very mature and able to handle any little slide he may have had this year. I was glad to see Ryan (Peisel) and Michael (Demperio) do a great job in front of him, getting on base, and know we need to get a few other guys going."
Moreau earned his first win after three no decisions when he left with a lead. He allowed one run on three hits with two walks and eight strikeouts. Dean Weaver and Justin Grimm pitched the final three frames.
After going 3-2 on this road trip, Georgia plays its next five games at Foley Field. Georgia returns to action Tuesday against Western Carolina at 5 p.m. Then, the Bulldogs face Alabama A&M Wednesday at 5 p.m. before resuming SEC action with the Tennessee series Friday at 7 p.m.
