George Kinard graduated in 1996 from USF with a Bachelor's in Exercise Science, and played baseball for the Dons from 1993 to 1994. He is a senior executive in Austin, TX for OnePulse, a computer software company.
Junior George Kinard was impressive in his first appearance for the Dons, allowing just two runs on four hits through five innings. Hayward managed just three base runners in the final seven innings, including a stretch of 11 straight batters set down by Kinard in the second through fifth innings.
USF's Diamond Dons took two of three games from the WCC-leading Santa Clara Broncos, giving them their first twenty-win season since 1986, and dropping the Broncs conference lead to one-half game. In Friday's series opener at SClT Buck Shaw Stadium, USF right hander George Kinard came back from a back injury to earn WCC Pitcher of the Week honors, as he allowed one earned run on five hits in 7-2/3 innings. The 6-3 right hander struck out five and ended Santa Clara's seven-game winning streak.
USF returns two starting pitchers from last year's squad, Jason Chandler and George Kinard. Chandler, who led the team in wins (7), starts (16), complete games (9), innings pitched (115 1/3), and strikeouts (63) appears set to be the Dons workhorse once again this season. "He's gonna throw strikes, works quick, infielders like to play behind him," says Hill of the senior southpaw. "He gives the other team fits." Kinard began the season injured, but showed his true form in being named the WCC Pitcher of the Week in return for pitching 7 2/ 3 innings, allowing five hits, and one earned run while striking out five against league champions Santa Clara. Hill says that "Kinard, last half of the season, was our best pitcher. We're hoping he just picks up where he left off (TheFoghorn)."
