The Georgia Bulldogs entered Lindsey Nelson Stadium with a sparkling 21-4 record and a nation-leading 74 home runs but still with their share of doubters.
What they did Friday night at Tennessee’s expense was the definition of a statement win.
Corey Collins homered in the second inning and Fernando Gonzalez went deep in the third as the No. 22 Bulldogs chased Tennessee starting pitcher AJ Causey out of the game in less than three full innings and demolished the No. 5 Vols 16-2. Friday’s contest was called after seven innings, marking the first time the Volunteers have been run-ruled at home.
“Obviously you’ve got to turn the page and move on to tomorrow,” coach Tony Vitello said in a news conference after his Vols fell to 22-5 overall and 3-4 in Southeastern Conference play. “It’s a three-round fight that you’re in the middle of, and we certainly got a knockout blow tonight.”
Collins had a pair of three-run homers, with his second one in the sixth inning extending Georgia’s stunning advantage to 15-2.