With each passing start, Talan Bell shows why he was considered such a promising prospect coming out of high school.

The freshman hurler made his fourth start of the season in Tuesday’s 3-0 win over Georgia, and it was by far his best to date. Bell pitched a career-high 3.2 innings, striking out five while walking two and the left-hander was instrumental in setting the tone early.

“He is still on a strict pitch count,” head coach Bakich said. “We had him on a max of 60. When he came out he was at 50-something. When he got to 50 it was last hitter.

“His first 40 pitches, he looked really good. In control, dominant, looked great. Escaped a jam in the third inning. Very poised for a freshman. He just keeps getting better every time he goes out there.”

Since returning from injury about a month ago, Bell has been on a strict pitch count, but throughout his first four starts, he’s been as effective as anyone could have hoped. And on Tuesday he was as effective as he’s been to date.

Striking out the first two Bulldogs of the game set the tone from the onset. After Bell exited with two outs in the fourth, Jacob McGover, TP Wentworth, Reed Garris and Lucas Mahlstedt would combine to hold a potent Georgia offense to just two hits the rest of the way.

“Pound the strike zone,” Bell said. “A lot of our guys are really good, got really good stuff. Pound the strike zone and make the hitters work.”

For the season, Bell has thrown 9.2 innings, allowing just one earned run and striking out nine batters. His ERA is 0.93.

Tuesday’s outing was what the freshman hurler has been working towards since making his debut on March 26 against Presbyterian. At the same time, it was just another step to getting fully back. And with the Tigers gearing up for the final stretch of the regular season, this team is going to need Bell to keep delivering the way he has through his first four appearances.

“To be able to go out there and do what I did, it was an honor,” Bell added. “It really was. EB has had my back since I got here. Just like everyone else, and it makes it easier when the guys are supporting you.”