ATHENS, Ga. — Georgia junior pitcher and Richmond Hill native Leighton Finley delivered when it mattered most.
PHOTO: Georgia pitcher Leighton Finley walks off the mound between innings during Friday’s NCAA Regional opener vs. Binghamton. Photo courtesy of the Georgia Athletic Association.
Starting Friday’s NCAA Regional opener against Binghamton, Finley gave the No. 7 Bulldogs precisely what they needed — 6.2 innings of steady work, allowing just two runs on four hits, striking out seven, and throwing a season-high 114 pitches. His effort helped Georgia roll to a 20–4 victory and advance in the winner’s bracket. Here are the comments made by Georgia's Head Baseball Coach, Wes Johnson, along with Leighton, during the postgame press conference.
PHOTO (l-r): Coach Wes Johnson, pitcher Leighton Finley, and outfielder Daniel Jackson speak to the media during the postgame press conference following Georgia’s NCAA Regional win over Binghamton. Watch the full interview via DawgNation on YouTube.
“That was the moment, like, ohh—I mean just getting out there and having fun, you know, not trying to do too much,” Finley said after the game. “Obviously with the rain delay, I feel like that played a little part in slowing it down. I was able to hang out and get with the team and slow the game down definitely, after last year, I wanted a better start coming off of last year.” Watch at 2:19 mark – DawgNation YouTube Postgame
Head coach Wes Johnson said, “I don’t think he realized I was taking him out—he was one out away and still throwing strikes at pitch 114, but I wanted the fans to acknowledge what he gave us, because Leighton laid it out there today; he’s one of our hardest workers, very methodical, and we had no hesitation trusting him to go that deep.”
Coach’s remarks at 6:30 – DawgNation YouTube
Finley reflected on the energy his offense provided; Finley added, “We all knew what we were capable of—and that’s what happened today. Having these guys hit like they did behind me, it’s awesome. It takes the weight off my shoulders.”
Watch at 8:48 – DawgNation YouTube Postgame More at 8:48 mark.
Georgia will now face Duke, who defeated Oklahoma State in Saturday’s 6 p.m. contest at Foley Field.
ICYMI - Where’s Richmond Hill’s Leighton Finley Now? Taking the Hill Today For for #7 Georgia Baseball
Photo Credits: Post conference interview via Dawgnation on Youtube and Photo Georgia Athletic Association on social media
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