There are few things a pitcher loves more than a strikeout in a key situation.

One thing that every pitcher enjoys, however, is a sparkling defensive gem.

Take Friday’s game between Georgia and Mississippi State for instance. In the top of the fourth inning, MSU had a runner at second base with two outs, threatening to cut Georgia’s 4-1 lead to two runs.

Grant Hogue, who had driven in MSU’s first run in the second, hit a sinking line drive to right center field. But center fielder Matt Cerione read the ball perfectly and made a diving catch to end the frame, preserving the Dogs’ three-run cushion.

“It’s huge,” said senior pitcher Trevor Holder. “To see a guy lay out and make a play like that when I make a mistake, and to have someone pick me up is awesome. I just can’t say enough about our defense.”

Later that same game, with MSU runners on first and second with two gone in the seventh inning and Georgia up 4-2, Conner Powers hit a foul ball to right field.

Outfielder/catcher Peter Verdin sacrificed life and limb as he caught the ball while flipping over the bullpen fence.

“I was going toward the wall and all I heard was, ‘You got room, you got room,’” Verdin said. “I felt my way toward the fence and I jumped and flipped right over. It was awesome – I was so pumped up. I haven’t been here for too long but that was definitely a highlight so far.”

And even though the Georgia staff has racked up 203 strikeouts this season (tied for second in the SEC with Alabama and behind Florida’s 238) and loves to see a home run hit in support of it, knowing the defense has its back is just as important.

“It’s better than a strikeout because knowing that your defense is back there gives you so much confidence as a pitcher because you are not afraid to give up a hit because you know your defense is there to stop it,” junior reliever Jeff Walters said.

“I think there’s no comparison [to a home run]. A great defensive play completely stops the momentum of the other team because they think they have a hit and we take it away from them, and it changes everything and I think it’s a great momentum builder.”

Added junior starter Alex McRee: “It’s awesome because it saves pitches and saves runs and it does everything that you could want from it.”

When the newly crowned No. 1 team in the country, Georgia, takes the field against Wright State at Foley Field at 5 tonight, the pitchers will have the confidence the defense will catch the ball behind them.