Georgia defeats Troy in NCAA tournament

Photo/ Steffenie Burns 2018 UGAAA Sports Communications

Credit: Steffenie Burns

Credit: Steffenie Burns

Photo/ Steffenie Burns 2018 UGAAA Sports Communications

Georgia was able to make the most of two-out magic Sunday, escaping with an 11-7 victory over Troy in the NCAA Athens Regional.

The No. 8 Bulldogs advance to Monday’s regional finals, where they will face Duke, who defeated Troy in an elimination game late Sunday.

Making the most of its opportunities, Georgia scored eight runs with two outs – two runs in the third inning, three in the seventh inning, two in the eighth and one in the ninth.

Recording their second come-from-behind victory in as many days, the Bulldogs once again played long ball, slamming four home runs, two by left fielder Keegan McGovern and two by designated hitter Michael Curry.

Curry hit a solo shot to lead off the second inning, and McGovern’s first homer – a two-run blast to the same spot Curry hit his – came in the third inning. In the sixth inning, Curry and McGovern hit back-to-back home runs, the first time Georgia has pulled off that feat since late February, when Cam Shepherd and McGovern did the deed against Kennesaw State.

Troy also utilized its power as Drew Frederic nailed a two-run homer in the third inning and Brandon Lockridge launched a solo home run in the fifth inning.

Zac Kristofak (4-2) came on in relief of Kevin Smith with two outs in the fourth inning and pitched three innings to earn the win with two hits, two runs, one walk and four strikeouts. Ryan Webb worked the last 2-1/3 innings for the save, allowing one hit and striking out three.