With the class of 2008 a week away from placing another year between myself and my final days as a University of Georgia student, I find that nothing reminds me of that last spring in Athens like an afternoon at Foley Field. This Diamond Dawgs team has been a treat to watch since SEC play started, and it was a perfect afternoon to take in a game on Sunday.

After dropping their first conference series of the season in Florida last weekend, Georgia bounced back well against Ole Miss by taking two of three. Sunday’s 11-4 win had it all:

• Timely pitching: Bulldog hurlers twice battled out of bases-loaded jams including a pivotal one out situation in the first inning. Though Ole Miss still drew first blood in the second inning, starter Nathan Moreau shook off a pair of walks to prevent things from getting out of hand early. It was the Sunday starter’s best outing in a while.
• Production from the bottom of the lineup: the 6-through-9 spots in the lineup accounted for 6 runs, 7 hits, and 4 RBI. Allen, Cerione, Demperio all homered early in the game to give Georgia its lead.
• Outstanding plays in the field: Gordon Beckham put the game away with his bat, but he handled two high throws from Rich Poythress to get key outs and, in one case, turn a double-play.

The Dawgs await the outcome of an MRI on the knee of second baseman Michael Demperio. He was involved in a bang-bang play at first base on a bunt attempt during which he got tangled up with the Ole Miss first baseman. He had to leave the game, and the knee was scheduled to be examined on Monday.

Georgia still has two SEC series remaining, but this next series at Vanderbilt could determine the conference championship. But before that, there’s the matter of the season series with Georgia Tech. The Jackets took the first meeting in Atlanta, and Georgia will get a chance to hold serve in Athens. The final game between the rivals will be at Turner Field next Tuesday in the annual Children’s Healthcare benefit. Don’t miss either.