The start of the 2024 season not only marked the beginning of Georgia baseball’s campaign but also ushered in a new era for the team. Following a 29-27 record last season and the failure to reach NCAA regionals in two of the last three years, Scott Stricklin was relieved of his duties as head coach in Athens.
Stepping into the role is Wes Johnson, formerly the pitching coach at LSU. Johnson’s tenure as the Bulldogs’ head coach kicked off with a resounding 11-2 victory at home against UNC Asheville on Friday. Infielder Slate Alford played a pivotal role, driving in three runs, while starting pitcher Charlie Goldstein delivered an impressive four innings, allowing just one run and securing the win.
Georgia went on to sweep the three-game series, outscoring their opponents, UNC Asheville, by a commanding margin of 38-7. Alford showcased his power by hitting three home runs throughout the series, while Dylan Goldstein contributed two homers and an impressive 2.011 OPS in his eight at-bats.
Georgia Men’s and Women’s basketball both lose in SEC play
On Saturday, the Georgia men’s basketball team hosted the No. 24 ranked Florida Gators and suffered an 88-82 defeat in a high-paced game. Despite Noah Thomasson’s impressive 26-point performance, the Bulldogs couldn’t maintain their halftime lead of 46-40, as they were outscored 48-36 in the second half.
With a season record of 14-11 and a conference record of 4-8, Mike White’s Florida team currently holds the 11th position in the SEC standings. Next, the Bulldogs will face LSU in Baton Rouge on Tuesday night.
Meanwhile, the Georgia women’s basketball team faced an even tougher challenge on Sunday, going up against the top-ranked South Carolina Gamecocks in Columbia. The Bulldogs also held a halftime lead of 35-28, but the undefeated Gamecocks relied on a balanced scoring attack to secure a 70-56 victory, marking their 26th win of the season.
The loss drops the Bulldogs’ women’s team to a season record of 11-5 and a conference record of 2-10. As they currently sit in last place in the standings, their next game will be against Ole Miss on Thursday.
Hines Ward is a logical fit for Georgia’s vacant spot on the coaching staff
After his illustrious career as a player with the Pittsburgh Steelers and being an alumnus of the University of Georgia, Hines Ward has ventured into the coaching realm since 2017. He started as an offensive intern on Mike Tomlin’s staff with the Steelers. Following that, Ward spent two seasons as part of the coaching staff for the New York Jets. In 2021, he served as the wide receivers coach at Florida Atlantic University under former head coach Willie Taggart. In 2023, Ward took on the role of head coach for the San Antonio Brahmas in the XFL.
Ward’s coaching resume is diverse and intriguing, showcasing his varied experiences in different coaching positions. With the departure of Bryan McClendon to the NFL, there is speculation that Ward could potentially find a coaching home in Athens on Kirby Smart’s staff at the University of Georgia.
