The Buccaneer baseball team took this matchup to the final inning, but were not able to close out it out. They came up just short in a high scoring 12-10 contest against the Georgia Bulldogs on Tuesday, April 14, in Athens.
The game quickly turned into a back and forth offensive showcase. ETSU scored a run in the opening inning that Georgia responded to with a five run bottom half to take early control of the game.
ETSU’s highlight performance came from Tristan Curless. The slugger delivered the Buccaneers two crucial three-run home runs. He was the power behind many of the comeback attempts for the Bucs, and finished the night with six RBIs. His first three run homer brought the Bucs within one run at the turn of the fifth inning. However, the Bulldogs were able to quickly answer, and gain their own momentum with a four run inning.
Curless hit his second three run home in the sixth inning, pushing the gap closed, but his efforts were not enough to seal it completely. The Buccaneers plated a final run in the ninth from Tyler Fetterman. The Bulldogs had scored a solo shot in the seventh to give them a cushion, so the ninth inning effort wasn’t enough to close out the match.
Georgia’s ability to respond quickly to each ETSU surge was what proved to be the difference maker in this matchup. Despite the loss, ETSU’s offense showed up and showed out against a strong SEC opponent, totaling 10 runs on 10 hits. The game also highlighted some sore spots, including midweek pitching, as both teams combined for 22 runs.
The Bucs will be looking to carry this momentum into their next matchup against The Citadel on Friday, April 17 at home in Thomas Stadium. More information can be found at etsubucs.com under the baseball tab.
