Charlotte 49ers Top Georgia Bulldogs 10-5
UPTOWN CHARLOTTE, N.C. - Game one of the Red Ventures Collegiate Baseball Series at BB&T Ballpark kicked off on Tuesday evening with the Charlotte 49ers defeating the Georgia Bulldogs 10-5. The 49ers rallied for eight runs in the seventh inning to earn their sixth victory of the season.
Throughout much of the first three innings, the opposing starters were locked in a pitcher's duel. Charlotte starter Matt Horkey (0-0, 6.48) only allowed one baserunner in the opening frames before giving way to Georgia center fielder Stephen Wrenn with a triple to lead off the fourth inning. Wrenn was later driven in for the evening's first run on a fielder's choice by left fielder Keegan McGovern.
Charlotte wasted no time striking back in the bottom of the inning, led by back-to-back doubles by right fielder T.J. Nichting and catcher Derek Fritz. Georgia starter Andrew Gist (2-0, 0.69) continued to pitch to contact in the bottom of the fifth, allowing back-to-back doubles for the second straight inning to third baseman Derek Gallello and first baseman Logan Sherer. Gist finished his day with four and two-thirds innings of two-run ball.
In the top of the sixth, Horkey pitched his way into trouble. After the lefty allowed two walks, pinch hitter Michael Curry lit up the scoreboard with a go-ahead three run blast to left field. It was the freshman righty's second pinch hit home run on the season. Horkey's night was done after surrendering four runs in five and two-thirds innings pitched.
In the bottom of the seventh, Charlotte threatened by loading the bases with no outs. Nichting cut the deficit to one run on an RBI single, the righty's third hit of the ballgame. Left fielder Zach Jarrett, son of NASCAR hall of famer Dale Jarrett, followed with a 2 run double - helping Charlotte to reclaim the lead 5-4. Freshman center fielder Reece Hampton followed by extending his hitting streak to his first 12 games as a 49er with an RBI single.
Sherer continued the hot inning by connecting on a home run to deep left center, his second hit of the inning. The big righty was a nightmare for the Bulldogs all evening, finishing 4-4 with four RBIs, a stolen base, and a walk. In total, Charlotte batted 12 men in the crooked seventh inning, scoring eight runs to take a commanding 10-4 lead.
Charlotte's manager Loren Hibbs, who is currently in his 24th season at the helm, credited his offense and defense for the lopsided frame.
"A lot of great at bats. I thought we played pretty good defense… a lot of good at bats, up and down the order."
Georgia looked to answer by loading the bases on walks in the top of the eighth inning. Second baseman LJ Talley responded to the call with an RBI single. Charlotte relief pitcher Micah Wells, halted the rally however by striking out the next two Bulldog hitters to limit the damage to only one run.
Playing in front of 4,521 fans, Charlotte finished the evening with a season high 18 hits in the ballgame. The next Red Ventures Collegiate Baseball Series at BB&T Ballpark will be March 29th featuring the Charlotte 49ers returning to take on their cross state foes, NC State.