ATHENS, Ga. — Fernando Gonzalez's home run in the seventh inning was the momentum Georgia needed to sneak past Georgia Tech, 3-1, Saturday at Foley Field.
The Bulldogs (9-1) broke a 1-1 tie in the seventh when Gonzalez smacked his third home run of the year to extend his hitting streak to seven games. In the eighth, Georgia added an insurance run on an RBI double by freshman Tre Phelps. Junior Slate Alford scored after reaching on a leadoff double.
“It’s tough when you play guys like these because they’re a really good team,” Gonzalez said. “We did a good job today, but today is over, and the focus is on tomorrow. We will get our rest and then get ready to go.”
Trailing 1-0 in the third, Tech (7-2) tied the game on a solo home run by Parker Brosius. It was one of only four hits on the day as the Georgia bullpen blanked Tech over the final 6.2 innings.
Graduate Josh Roberge notched a win with a scoreless frame, while graduate Brian Zeldin picked up his second save by recording the final four outs. Tate McKee dropped to 0-1, allowing the home run to Gonzalez. Georgia sophomore Kolten Smith provided 4.1 shutout innings in relief of starter Christian Mracna.
Also, the Bulldogs played stellar defense including a couple of highlight plays at third base by Charlie Condon which ended potential scoring threats.
“You look at our pitching staff today – I’m really proud of them,” Georgia coach Wes Johnson said. “I think the biggest thing that you could take away from today is our heartbeat is good. On a tight rivalry game, those are the kinds of games you’ve got to win and those are the environments you’re going to play in the SEC. We played good defense including Charlie (Condon) who helped us win that game with his glove.”
The series continues Sunday at Coolray Field in Lawrenceville as part of the 21st annual Spring Baseball Classic to benefit Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta. First pitch will be at 3:02 p.m. and be available on the Georgia Bulldog Sports Network.
