PREVIEW: Georgia Hosts Presbyterian for Single Home Game
The Diamond Dawgs will put their undefeated record to the test once again on Tuesday when they play host to the Presbyterian Blue Hose (5-3) at 3 PM EST. Tuesday’s game marks the first of two midweek contests at Foley Field as the Michigan State Spartans come to town on Wednesday.
Presbyterian started the 2024 season with a bang, completing a four-game sweep of Saint Peter’s with the offense accounting for a combined 58 runs against the Peacocks. But coming off a disappointing weekend that included home losses to Quinnipiac and Canisius, the Blue Hose will undoubtedly arrive in Athens with hopes of getting back on track with an upset.
Georgia enters Tuesday’s matchup riding a seven-game win streak to begin their season. After outsourcing their opponents by a combined margin of 58-12 in their first five games – which included two shutouts and a run-rule-shortened game – Wes Johnson’s team needed two walk-offs to complete a sweep of Northern Kentucky over the weekend.
Both teams have proven to be among the most prolific offensive teams in the country, both ranking within the top 35 in team batting average, hits, on-base percentage, and runs. Both the Bulldogs’ Charlie Condon and the Blue Hose’s Brody Fahr rank within the top three in the NCAA in individual batting average. In addition to their offensive firepower, both teams rank within the top 20 in walks drawn.
Nine different players on the Georgia roster have hit at least one home run, with seven already accounting for multiple. Meanwhile, the Blue Hose have seen just nine balls leave the yard and have struggled to maintain any level of power in their lineup. Outside of center fielder Joel Dragoo, just three Presbyterian batters have hit a home run. This lack of power should give Georgia a clear advantage on the offensive side of things.
Defensively, the Blue Hose have been the sloppier team. With a fielding percentage of .962 and 10 errors on the season, Elton Pollock’s team has been among the most undisciplined in the nation. On the other hand, Georgia ranks within the top 50 in the NCAA in fielding percentage and has recorded just four errors on the season. Against an offense as productive as the Blue Hose, clean play in the field will undoubtedly be a priority for the Dawgs on Tuesday.
Right-hander Jarvis Evans will get the call for the Dawgs on Tuesday, marking his second start of the season. His first start resulted in four walks and just one hit during three scoreless innings against Georgia State. In a relief outing against UNC Asheville, Evans allowed just two walks while holding the Bulldogs scoreless for two innings.
Sean Hollister will be on the mound for the visitors for his second start of the season. In his only other start, Hollister allowed three hits and just one run to the No. 10 Clemson Tigers. In four innings between two relief appearances, the righty has allowed just four hits, no walks and no runs while striking out seven batters.
While both teams have shown that they belong as one of the nation’s top offenses, Georgia simply has a clear talent advantage over the Blue Hose. Condon leads a star-studded offensive lineup that should be able to fire away on a pitching staff that allowed a whopping 14 runs in their last game. While the team may be feeling the pressure of an undefeated season, Tuesday’s contest should not be the one to spoil things.
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- Former Bulldog Hired as Team's Defensive Back's Graduate Assistant
- Potential Candidates for Georgia Wide Receiver Coach
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