ATHENS, Ga. ? The Presbyterian College baseball team fought hard for nine innings but was unable to overcome a five-run third inning Wednesday evening in the 11-4 loss at No. 12 Georgia.
The Blue Hose fall to 0-5 on the young season while the Bulldogs improve to 5-0.
Bryce Massanari recorded a grand slam in the third, giving Georgia a 5-0 lead. However, head coach Elton Pollock's team would battle back in its next at bat, slicing the deficit to three.
In the fourth, Zac Rhinesmith singled to left to get things going. Two batters later, Kenny Bryant slammed a two-run home run to right center field, making the score 5-2.
After the Bulldogs plated a run in the fifth, the Blue Hose countered with two runs of their own in the sixth.
Rhinesmith walked to lead off the frame and moved all the way to third when Cory Lyda reached on a fielder's choice when the second baseman tried to throw Rhinesmith out. A miscue allowed him to not only be safe at second, but move to within 90 feet of home.
After Bryant flew out to left, redshirt-senior Jared Combs grounded out to shortstop, allowing Lyda to move to third and Rhinesmith to score.
Bobby Cole walked and attempted to steal second, but was caught stealing. However, just prior to him being thrown out, Lyda crossed home, pulling the team within two at 6-4.
The ever-tough Bulldogs would stretch their advantage by adding a run in the sixth and seventh frames.
Still within striking distance, Pollock's team battled tooth and nail, but Georgia managed to plate three runs in the eighth inning, putting the game out of reach.
For the game, the Blue Hose had just four hits. Rhinesmith, Lyda, Bryant and Drew Wingo each had a base knock. Bryant tallied two RBI on the day while Combs had one. Wingo accounted for the squad's lone extra base knock.
For PC, Garrett Moore suffered his first loss of the season after throwing 2.1 innings and giving up four runs on one hit. Mitchell Odom threw 1.2 innings and gave up one run on two hits. Andrew Foushee tossed one inning of scoreless ball. Both Stewart Curry and Jordan Pace saw time on the mound in the game as well.
The Blue Hose return to action Friday afternoon when they travel to Birmingham, Ala., to take on the Blazers of UAB.
