Title: Georgia Baseball Denied College World Series Trip in Super Regional Loss to NC State
Sapo: The Bulldogs surrendered four home runs and most of their big bats were held in check as NC State denied them a trip to the College World Series.
Article:
OMAHA, Neb. -- Georgia's magical run through the NCAA Tournament ended one step short of the College World Series as NC State defeated the Bulldogs 10-2 in the deciding game of the best-of-three super regional series Sunday at TD Ameritrade Park.
The Wolfpack jumped out to an early lead and never looked back, chasing Georgia starter Emerson Hancock after just 3 1/3 innings. NC State hit four home runs in the game, including a pair from designated hitter Patrick Bailey.
Georgia's offense, which had been so prolific throughout the tournament, was held in check by NC State starter Sam Highfill. The Bulldogs managed just five hits off Highfill in 6 2/3 innings of work.
"We just didn't get it done today," Georgia coach Scott Stricklin said. "NC State played a great game and we didn't. We didn't pitch well enough, we didn't hit well enough, and we didn't play defense well enough. They deserved to win."
Georgia's only runs came on a solo home run by Riley King in the fourth inning and an RBI single by Connor Tate in the eighth.
The Bulldogs had a chance to tie the game in the fifth inning when they loaded the bases with one out, but Highfill got out of the jam with a strikeout and a groundout.
NC State added two more runs in the seventh inning on a home run by Brock Deatherage, and two more in the eighth on a double by Evan Edwards.
Bailey put the game away with a two-run homer in the ninth inning.
"We just weren't our normal selves today," Georgia shortstop Cam Shepherd said. "We didn't play with the same energy and intensity that we have all year. NC State took advantage of that and they beat us."
The loss ended Georgia's season at 38-22. The Bulldogs reached the super regionals for the second time in three years, but they have yet to advance to the College World Series since 2008.
"It's tough to end the season like this," Stricklin said. "But I'm proud of our team for what they accomplished this year. We had a great season and we made a lot of progress. We'll learn from this experience and we'll be back next year ready to compete for a national championship."
