Sports

Georgia Pitcher Applauded For Great Sportsmanship At World Series Offering Contrast To Bad Reputation

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Dylan Widger-Imagn Images / Scott Wachter-Imagn Images


The Georgia baseball team advanced into the winner’s bracket at the College World Series after beating SEC rival Texas. Pitcher Joey Volchko had a career night.

The righty threw a complete game while shutting down the Longhorns‘ offensive attack. His performance, however, wasn’t the only thing to catch the eye of coach Jim Schlossnagle.

Volchko was applauded for his sportsmanship and professionalism. It was a welcomed compliment with a narrative of nastiness following the Bulldogs.

Joey Volchko shined in Omaha.

The Georgia ace racked up 15 strikeouts in a complete game win over Texas. He did not surrender an earned run in the 7-1 victory. He allowed five baserunners while throwing 113 pitches.

The win pushed Volchko to 11-2 on the season. It also put Georgia one step closer to a College World Series finals appearance.

The Bulldogs will avoid an elimination scenario for now. They will next face Oklahoma with a chance to move into the driver’s seat in the bracket.

Volchko’s performance was ridiculous. He was close to unhittable. Texas batters simply could not figure him out at the plate.

Despite the dominance, the pitcher refused to disrespect his opponent. That was not lost on the Longhorns’ head coach.

“I was actually super impressed — in an era of baseball where there’s strikeouts and emotional things happen in the game, I didn’t see him, once, scream at our team or do anything that some of those kids do these days. I thought he was super professional and was outstanding.”

-Jim Schlossnagle

Georgia baseball has a reputation.

The Bulldogs can come off as cocky. They lead the nation in home runs hit. Contributors on that potent offense often celebrate their majestic shots after a moment of admiration in the batter’s box.

Earlier in the NCAA Tournament, slugger Tre Phelps was ejected from a regional game vs. Liberty and suspended for the super regional opener vs. Mississippi State for taunting.

The punishment was a result of his pointing in the direction of the opposing dugout while making his way to first base.

Phelps is far from the only offender. He just happened to overstep the line separating celebration from taunting. Below is another example of what pitchers might experience after serving up a home run to Georgia hitting.

Those antics rub many the wrong way. Georgia is not the most likeable team in college baseball.

Joey Volchko offered a contrast. He kept his emotions in check. He would not disrespect the Longhorns despite his dominance.