Holder pitches Georgia past N.C. State.

[SacFalcFan]

Holder pitches Georgia past N.C. State

Associated Press

Published on: 06/06/08

Athens Trevor Holder pitched a career-high 8 2-3 innings, and Georgia's offense was overpowering for the fifth straight game in an 11-4 NCAA Super Regional victory Friday over North Carolina State.

With a victory over the Wolfpack on Saturday, Georgia would win the best-of-three series and advance to the College World Series for the third time in five years.

The Bulldogs have a five-game winning streak since losing 10-7 to Lipscomb on May 30. Georgia has outscored opponents by a combined 38 runs since Saturday.

Holder (8-4) allowed four runs - two earned - and seven hits before leaving to a standing ovation.

Rich Poythress scored the go-ahead run on right fielder Matt Payne's throwing error, making it 3-2 in the third.

Gordon Beckham, drafted No. 8 overall by the Chicago White Sox and the Southeastern Conference player of the year, had two RBIs. Joey Lewis and Miles Starr also drove in two runs each.

Clayton Shunick (7-6) allowed eight hits, three walks and struck out six in 5 1-3 innings. The right-hander's eight earned runs were the most in two years at N.C. State.

Despite giving up just two combined earned runs in his last three starts against Florida State, Clemson and South Carolina, Shunick was chased when Lyle Allen's RBI double made it 7-2.

The first batter that reliever Drew Taylor faced, pinch-hitter Joey Lewis, hit a two-run homer that gave the Bulldogs a 9-2 lead.