Georgia 8, Memphis 1

I was hesitant to read too much into Wednesday's victory over Jacksonville State, as I preferred to wait until this weekend's series with Memphis before attempting to gauge where the Diamond Dogs stand as a club. If Friday's win over the Tigers was any indication, the Red and Black are in good, if somewhat less than great, shape.

Georgia once again leapt out to a fast start in the first inning, in which Rich Poythress's base hit off of Memphis's Scott McGregor drove in a pair of runs in what was to become a six-hit, five-run opening stanza against a pitcher who previously had boasted a 1.46 earned run average.

The Classic City Canines scored additional runs in the fifth, sixth, and eighth frames while following up on Wednesday's 20-hit outing with a 19-hit effort in their initial face-off with Memphis. Ryan Peisel went two for four from the leadoff spot, but the stars of the show were Michael Demperio (4 for 5) and Joey Lewis (3 for 4).

The Diamond Dogs also enjoyed multiple hits off of the bats of Lyle Allen (2 for 5, 2 R.B.I.) Matt Cerione (2 for 4), and Matt Olson (2 for 5, 1 R.B.I.). Gordon Beckham, Demperio, Lewis, Peisel, and Poythress all are batting .361 or better. Georgia once again made it through the game without being charged with an error.

Trevor Holder went seven innings for the home team, surrendering two hits, two walks, and one earned run to the 25 batters he faced while striking out four and hurling a no-hitter until the seventh inning. Dean Weaver came on in relief, allowing one hit and striking out three in the final pair of frames. The first five batters in the Tiger order between them went one for 18 with no R.B.I., a pair of walks, and five strikeouts.

Friday night's series-opening win over visiting Memphis was a solid outing for the Red and Black, who evened their record for the season at 4-4. While the caliber of the competition once more was open to question, considerable benefit could be derived from the momentum generated by several quality contests in a row as Georgia heads into S.E.C. play next weekend.

Go 'Dawgs!