The Georgia Bulldogs are headed to the Athens Regional finals Monday afternoon and senior outfielder Keegan McGovern, who earlier in the week was named Third Team All America, is a big reason why. In Georgia’s first two games of the regionals, McGovern homered three times, increasing his team-best home run tally to 18 on the year.
Saturday afternoon, the ‘Dawgs routed the Campbell University Fighting Camels 18-5 at Foley Field in Athens. McGovern was a little late to the party; in the seventh inning, he was 0-3 with a run scored after being hit by a pitch. Georgia was up 12-5 at the time. McGovern ended his hitless game with one big swing, belting a solo home run about halfway up a light pole in right center. The shot put the Bulldogs up 13-5.
In the top of the eighth, McGovern robbed Campbell left fielder Matthew Barefoot, who was 3-3 at the time, of an extra-base hit when he made a diving catch near the left field line. Georgia would add a few more insurance runs and walk away with an 18-5 victory.
The ‘Dawgs were supposed to play Troy Saturday night. Weather, however, postponed the game until Sunday afternoon. The winner would advance to the championship game Monday; the loser would face Duke, which had eliminated Campbell earlier.
Georgia defeated Troy 11-7 in what was a close game for a while. The two teams combined for seven home runs, two of which belonged to McGovern. He continued to swing a hot bat and led the way for the Bulldogs in the contest. He was 3-5 with two home runs, three runs scored, and four RBI.
The Bulldogs play at 1 p.m. Monday in the Athens Regional championship game. If needed, second game is scheduled for 5 p.m. The winner will advance to the super regionals; from there, the next stop is the College World Series in Omaha, Neb.
