2008 Woodie Awards
Diamond Dogs drop two to No. 1 Arizona
TYLER ESTEP
Issue date: 2/25/08 Section: Sports
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Leading 4-0 behind the arm of starter Nathan Moreau after six innings, Bulldog relievers proceeded to allow nine runs in the seventh and eighth.
When an Arizona runner needlessly hit Georgia catcher Bryce Massanari at the plate on the final out of the eighth, both benches emptied and tempers flared.
All that led to a four-run Bulldog ninth, pulling the game to 9-8 before dropping its second game of the three-game series. That rally may have squelched any resurfacing memories of last year' frequent failures.
"Mentally, (those four runs in the ninth) were huge for our guys. You're sitting there and I'm sure a lot of guys are saying, 'This is Oregon State '07 all over again,'" coach Dave Perno said, referencing last year's season-opening sweep of the Bulldogs by the Beavers, which was replete with late collapses by Georgia.
"This year we're going to be fine - this team's going to be good."
The Diamond Dogs jumped on Arizona's Preston Guilmet (last season's Pac-10 Pitcher of the Year and a preseason All-American) for four runs in the first Friday, and were able to hold on for a 9-7 win.
Senior Joshua Fields had a bunt single, a home run and a save in the series opening win.
Saturday's game looked to be in hand for the Bulldogs, down 2-1 in the eighth before a Gordon Beckham bobble allowed a run to score and set the stage for a three-run homer and eventual 7-1 win for Arizona.
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CoastalDawg
posted 2/25/08 @ 10:15 AM EST
"Mentally, (those four runs in the ninth) were huge for our guys." But guess what, that only drew the DAWGS to within one run and a loss is a loss. Seems as if there are bullpen troubles again; let's review Coach Perno: DAWGS are leading 4-0, yet you opt to take out the starting pitcher and go to the bullpen who promptly gives away runs and eventually gives the game to Arizona. (Continued…)
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