Georgia baseball advances to NCAA Athens Regional final
The No. 3 national seed and SEC champion will face the winner of the Liberty-Boston College matchup in the regional final, requiring just one victory to progress to the Super Regionals.
Georgia baseball has secured its place in the NCAA Athens Regional final after defeating Liberty University 6-2 on Saturday night at Foley Field. The victory ensures the No. 3 national seed and SEC champion will advance to the Super Regionals, where a single win is required to progress further in the tournament. Georgia will face the winner of the upcoming match between Liberty University and Boston College.
The day began with an unusual scheduling requirement, as Georgia had to complete the final three innings of a game against Long Island that was suspended the previous night due to weather. NCAA postseason rules do not permit a mercy rule, necessitating the completion of the contest. Georgia won the resumed portion 18-2, tying a school record with nine home runs across both games on Saturday.
In the decisive match against Liberty, Georgia scored all six runs via home runs. Dan Jackson provided a two-run shot in the first inning, while Kenny Ishikawa and Ryan Wynn added solo homers in the third to establish a 4-2 lead. Rylan Lujo and Brennan Hudson added solo shots in the sixth and ninth innings respectively.
Starting pitcher Dylan Vigue was removed after one and a third innings, having allowed two runs. Relievers Matt Scott and Justin Byrd provided critical support, with Scott pitching five shutout innings and Byrd striking out four batters in three innings to close out the game. Georgia head coach Wes Johnson praised the pitching staff, noting they gave up only three hits on Saturday and two on Friday.
As the regional host, Georgia was required to play as the visitor against Liberty in accordance with NCAA postseason rules. The Sunday night final is scheduled to start at 5:06 p.m. at Foley Field.
