ATHENS, Ga. — Georgia made history by erupting for 10 runs in the first inning of an eventual 15-5 win over Northern Kentucky Friday at Foley Field that ended after seven innings due to the 10-run rule.
The Bulldogs (5-0) become the first team in Georgia history to start a season by scoring double-digit runs in each of its first five games. Georgia's 10-run outburst was the most in a frame since scoring 16 runs in an inning at Auburn last year, and the most at home since a 10-spot against UMASS in 2020.
"We were able to carry over some things we worked on from Tuesday to keep up with our gameplan," said Georgia's Ike Cousins head baseball coach Wes Johnson. "We came in with a really good approach; we didn't chase. Our game is a quick turnaround. You can't celebrate this too long. You can celebrate until about midnight, and then we have to get right back at it. These guys are going to get back at it. Northern Kentucky showed at the end of today that they've got a little bit of fight in them. They're not going to lay down and quit. They're going to keep attacking and keep playing the game, so for us we've got to come out here and keep being consistent with our approach and make every play count."
It was more than enough offense for graduate left-hander Charlie Goldstein who improved to 2-0 and tied his career high with seven strikeouts for the fourth time in his career. Goldstein allowed one run on three hits in five innings. NKU starter Tanner Gillis (0-1) went three innings before giving way to a trio of Norse relievers.
The first inning featured graduate Logan Jordan (3-for-4, 2 RBI) and sophomore Charlie Condon (2-for-5) recording a pair of hits while graduate Dillon Carter raced around the bases for an inside-the-park home run. Graduate Dylan Goldstein finished the game with a team-best four RBI and three runs scored. Graduate Clayton Chadwick went 3-for-5 with a pair of RBI. NKU got a couple of home runs from Jake Paulick and a solo shot by Mitch Wood to highlight the Norse offense.
"It feels good," said Chadwick. "You just have to focus on winning the day, on winning the pitch. You can't live in the past, like Coach Wes (Johnson) always says. We just have to look forward to every game and to accomplishing our goals every day."
The series continues Saturday with first pitch set for 2:02 p.m.
http://accesswdun.com/article/2024/2/1229834/big-1st-inning-propels-bulldogs-to-win