Link to Article on The Red & Black
By Olivia Sayer
Georgia sophomore Kolten Smith (16) pitches during an NCAA college baseball game between Missouri and Georgia at Foley Field in Athens, Georgia, on Saturday, April 13, 2024. Georgia won 10-7. (Photo/Mady Mertens: @MadyMertensPhotography)
After throwing 93 pitches in seven innings, Kolten Smith walked up to head coach Wes Johnson with a clear message— “I’m going one more.”
Although the Bulldogs continued their routing of opposing pitching staffs, Smith’s performance on the mound highlighted Georgia baseball’s series-opening victory over Florida. The Bulldogs defeated the Gators 9-4 Thursday night at Foley Field.
In the win, Smith recorded career-highs in both strikeouts and innings pitched. His 12 strikeouts through eight innings were the most by a Georgia pitcher this season. His performance also saved a Bulldog bullpen that is gearing up for postseason play.
“He had it working tonight,” Johnson said. “You look— the cutter, the slider, the fastball, [Smith] threw a few good changeups and then even dumped a couple 12-6’s [curveballs that move from the top to the bottom of the zone] in there. So I can’t say enough about the job he did tonight.”
Smith, a native from Ocala, Florida, said performing well against his hometown team felt “just like any other time, [but] maybe a little bit extra special.” Smith said he grew up playing with a couple of the Gators and that he talked with Florida in his recruiting process. However, Smith ultimately chose Georgia because he “loves it.”
The Bulldogs limited the damage done by Florida’s Jac Caglianone, who entered the game second in the nation in homers and riding a 30-game hitting streak. In four plate appearances, Smith held him hitless with two strikeouts.
Caglianone’s one time on base occurred in the top of the third, when Georgia intentionally walked him with two outs and a runner at second. The following batter flew out to end the inning.
The Gators attempted to return the favor in the top of the fifth, when they intentionally walked college baseball’s home run leader Charlie Condon to put a runner on first with one out.
SEC Player of the Week Tre Phelps followed with a double to move two into scoring position. Slate Alford then scored Condon with a groundout, and consecutive hits by Paul Toetz and Fernando Gonzalez gave the Bulldogs a 7-2 lead.
However, the star of the offense was Dillon Carter. In his first start since March 23, Carter finished 2-for-5 with two home runs. It was Carter’s first two-homer game this season.
Johnson said that the analytical models and metrics Georgia uses “screamed” that Carter should receive the start against Florida’s left-hander.
The depth of Georgia’s lineup has been a key to its success this season. As demonstrated in the game, giving the Bulldogs a free base runner can prove detrimental to their opponents.
“It’s fun watching this team and especially playing with this high powered offense,” Carter said. “I don’t know how the fans ever leave. No matter what the score is, there’s always a chance for the Dogs to come back. And it’s just a spectacular group of dudes.”
3,900 fans were witness to the series-opening victory Thursday evening. Those in attendance made constant noise throughout the game and heckled the Gators through creative chants.
The Bulldogs now look to win their 10th-straight game and third consecutive SEC series Friday afternoon. Leighton Finley will be on the mound for the 1:02 p.m. first pitch.