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Hogs waste a 9-run lead Published: Sunday, March 16, 2008 PRINT E-MAIL FAYETTEVILLE — High-scoring games aren’t uncommon in the SEC, but Georgia’s comeback against Arkansas on Saturday was impressive by any standard. Georgia rallied from a nine-run deficit after five innings to defeat Arkansas 15-11 before 3, 709 at Baum Stadium. Bryce Massanari and Gordon Beckham each had four hits to lead the comeback for Georgia (7-7, 1-1 SEC ), which trailed 8-0 and 10-1. Massanari had a two-run home run in the seventh inning, when Georgia scored seven runs to take a 12-10 lead. The Bulldogs then turned to Josh Fields, one of the top closers in the country 1 who pitched 1 / 3 scoreless inning to secure the victory. Arkansas (12-4, 1-1 ) dominated early, beginning in the first inning when Andy Wilkins hit a three-run home run for a 4-0 lead. Logan Forsythe and Aaron Murphree followed with home runs as the Razorbacks built their lead to 10-1 after five. The rest of the game belonged to Georgia, which scored 14 of the game’s next 15 runs. “This is one we’ll look back on at the end of the year if we’re a game short [in the standings ],” Arkansas Coach Dave Van Horn said. “Give them credit. They took advantage of us giving them four outs in the sixth inning, then in the seventh we couldn’t stop them.” Forsythe went 4 for 5 but made a fielding error in the sixth when Georgia scored four runs. Forsythe, who made several outstanding plays in Friday’s 5-1 victory over Georgia, made no excuses for his rare fielding miscue. “It was a slow-hit ball and I just came up a little quick,” Forsythe said. “I’ve got to stay down longer on a play like that.” Forsythe’s error wouldn’t have mattered had Arkansas received better pitching Saturday. Shaun Seibert pitched four scoreless innings for Arkansas before fading in the fifth and sixth. The Bulldogs then pounded relievers Dallas Keuchel, Travis Hill and Justin Wells for 11 runs and 12 hits.
Arkansas wanted to bring in sophomore right-hander Mike Bolsinger in an effort to slow the surge, but Bolsinger got sick and did not enter the game. Georgia sent 12 batters to the plate and collected six hits when the Bulldogs took a 12-10 lead in the seventh. The Bulldogs finished with 19 hits in the game. “We made some changes to get some people at bat and, all of a sudden, we rallied,” Georgia Coach Dave Perno said. “The credit goes to a lot of people in that dugout. We were faced with some adversity because we had to leave a couple of guys back at the hotel with the stomach flu. “ Our kids responded and did a tremendous job.” Murphree hit his 13 th home run and Wilkins his sixth for Arkansas, which had 15 hits. Most of the damage came against Stephen Dodson, who threw a complete-game four-hitter in a 6-1 victory over Arkansas last season. Dodson lasted 3 2 / 3 innings Saturday and was pounded for 10 runs and 8 hits. While Georgia rattled Arkansas’ relievers, Nick Montgomery and Justin Earls did a good job through the middle innings until the Bulldogs could get to Fields, their top-notch 1 closer. Montgomery pitched 2 / 3 innings to earn the victory, and Earls allowed only one run in 2 1 / 3 innings. “[Arkansas ] kept scoring early and putting runners on base,” Perno said. “We needed an easy inning, and that was the key when he finally stopped them. “ Nick Montgomery and Justin Earls both did a nice job before Josh Fields continued to do what he’s been doing.” More Stories From: RICK FIRES · Second day sends Springston home · San Diego chooses UA third baseman · Hogs plan to host 5-team tournament · Hogs want to avoid major draft hit Yesterday's Most Popular 1. Pelphrey expects Monk to join team 2. Pelphrey: Early signees fill Razorbacks’ needs 3. Neck and neck : Brothers split snaps at quarterback in Tuesday practice 4. ARKANSAS AT MISSISSIPPI STATE : Brother vs. brother 5. Hogs’ signees pass eye test, coach says Today's Most E-mailed 1. LIKE IT IS : Arkansas made right choice in hiring Petrino 3. Razorbacks face Princeton clone 4. Richardson, 6 others to be inducted into College Basketball Hall of Fame 5. SEC report |
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