June 22, 2008

Renewed Offense

Poythress helps awaken Bulldog bats

By Phil Stanton

CollegeBaseballInsider.com Co-Founder

OMAHA, Neb. - After struggling at the plate in the SEC series, Georgia has had the offense going in the NCAA Tournament. In 11 tourney contests, the Bulldogs are batting .374 and have had at least nine hits in each game. Georgia is averaging 10 runs per contest in the NCAA Tournament and seven runs per game in Omaha.

The Bulldogs managed just 10 hits and three runs in two losses in the SEC Tournament.

Georgia averaged 11 runs in five regional games and in three super regional contests.

Sophomore first baseman Rich Poythress hit .406 in the regionals and super regionals, but was just 1 for 6 (.167) in two College World Series games.

Poythress changed those numbers on Saturday, going 4 for 5 with two runs and four RBI. He tied a CWS record with three doubles.

“I definitely wanted to have a big day,” Poythress said. “I got some good pitches to hit. It was a good day, and most importantly, we got the ‘W’.”

The Bulldogs will be off on Sunday and begin the Championship Series on Monday against either Fresno State or North Carolina.