Georgia Tech Baseball hopes to defeat Georgia in the Spring Classic with a spectacular victory.
The in-state rivalry between Georgia Tech and the University of Georgia is one of the most enduring battles in college athletics, and on the diamond, it takes on new life every spring under the bright lights of Truist Park. For Georgia Tech baseball, this year’s Spring Classic represents far more than just another meeting between two longtime adversaries — it’s a chance to plant a flag, redefine a season, and capture a spectacular victory that reverberates well beyond Atlanta.
Building Toward the Moment
The Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets have experienced an up-and-down campaign in the 2025 season, battling through the ultra-competitive Atlantic Coast Conference with a mix of youthful exuberance and veteran leadership. Under the guidance of head coach Danny Hall — who is in his 32nd year at the helm — the Jackets have developed into a team that can hang with anyone when they execute their game.
Sitting slightly above .500 heading into mid-April, Georgia Tech knows it needs a statement win to bolster its postseason résumé and inspire a late-season surge. What better opportunity than a marquee showdown against No. 12-ranked Georgia at the home of the Atlanta Braves?
The Spring Classic, a beloved annual tradition that has raised millions for Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta, always provides a charged atmosphere. With tens of thousands of fans packed into a major league ballpark, the game carries the pressure of a playoff contest — and the Yellow Jackets are embracing that pressure as a privilege.
Coach Hall’s Vision: Rise to the Occasion
“We talk about moments,” Coach Hall said earlier this week. “This is one of those moments where everything matters — not just for standings or bragging rights, but for pride, for this program, and for every kid who grew up dreaming of playing in a game like this. You’ve got to rise to the occasion.”
Hall’s team has shown flashes of brilliance this season. Sophomore shortstop CJ Kayfus has emerged as a cornerstone of the infield, while catcher Drew Compton provides power and poise behind the plate. Junior right-hander Jackson Finley, recently moved back into the starting rotation, could be called upon to set the tone early in what’s expected to be a tense, low-scoring affair.
Georgia Tech’s pitching staff has struggled with consistency, but when they’re on, they can be electric. Relievers like Ben King and Terry Busse have shut the door on several opponents this season, and they’ll need to be ready to face a Georgia lineup known for putting up crooked numbers in a hurry.
Scouting the Bulldogs
The Georgia Bulldogs, led by head coach Wes Johnson, have turned heads across the Southeastern Conference with a blend of power hitting and dominant starting pitching. At 27–8 overall and boasting one of the top home run totals in the nation, Georgia comes into the Spring Classic as the favorite — and they know it.
Star slugger Charlie Condon is once again putting up video game numbers. The junior outfielder, who’s already drawing first-round buzz for the 2025 MLB Draft, leads the SEC in home runs (22) and slugging percentage. He’ll likely be the central threat in the lineup, demanding strategic maneuvering by Tech’s arms.
“You can’t let one guy beat you, but they’ve got a deep lineup,” Hall said. “We’ll have to be smart. We’re not just going to feed fastballs to Condon and hope for the best.”
On the mound, Georgia has leaned heavily on the trio of Leighton Finley, Luke Wagner, and freshman sensation Davis Diaz, who’s already picked up SEC Freshman of the Week honors multiple times. Whether Johnson gives the ball to a weekend starter or opts for a bullpen game, Georgia’s depth gives them flexibility.
Mental Edge in the Rivalry
Despite Georgia’s higher national ranking and more stable season, the Yellow Jackets enter this matchup with nothing to lose — and that can be a powerful motivator. In rivalry games, emotion often levels the playing field. That’s exactly what Georgia Tech is banking on.
Senior second baseman Christian Campbell said it best: “Records don’t matter in this game. You throw all of that out the window. It’s about who wants it more. We’re playing for each other and for every Jacket who’s ever worn this uniform.”
Georgia has taken control of the series in recent years, including last year’s 8–5 victory in the Spring Classic. But the all-time series still leans slightly in Tech’s favor historically, with the Jackets looking to reassert their dominance on a big stage.
There’s also a bit of added fuel this year. The Bulldogs swept Georgia Tech in last year’s three-game rivalry series — a sore spot for the program that players haven’t forgotten.
“We remember,” said outfielder Kristian Campbell. “Every single inning. That taste stays in your mouth until you do something about it.”
Keys to a Georgia Tech Victory
For Georgia Tech to pull off what many would consider an upset, several things need to fall into place:
- Limit Free Passes: Georgia thrives on punishing mistakes. The Jackets must avoid walks, hit-by-pitches, and errors that extend innings.
- Get Ahead in Counts: Establishing early command on the mound will be critical. Georgia Tech needs to force Georgia hitters into defensive counts and avoid letting sluggers like Condon sit on fastballs.
- String Together Quality ABs: Tech’s offense has been streaky, but when they’re dialed in, they can pile on runs. Plate discipline, aggressive baserunning, and timely hitting will be essential.
- Use the Atmosphere: The crowd will be big, loud, and split between red and gold. Georgia Tech must use the energy to their advantage — and not let the bright lights lead to pressing at the plate.
- Bullpen Execution: Assuming a close game, late-inning bullpen management will be the chess match of the night. Hall will need to pull the right levers and match up effectively with Georgia’s powerful lefty-righty combos.
The Stakes Beyond the Scoreboard
While the result of the Spring Classic won’t directly affect conference standings, it carries significant weight in perception, momentum, and recruiting. Beating a top-15 Georgia team on such a prominent stage would be a shot in the arm for Georgia Tech’s postseason hopes — particularly with NCAA Tournament projections still up in the air.
Perhaps even more importantly, it would give the Jackets bragging rights over their bitter rivals, which extends beyond the field into alumni circles, fan bases, and future recruiting classes. High school prospects across the state will be watching this game. Tech can make a statement that resonates.
“Every big win helps,” said recruiting coordinator James Ramsey. “But beating Georgia? That’s a billboard moment.”
Players to Watch
- CJ Kayfus (SS, Georgia Tech): A leader on both sides of the ball, Kayfus brings elite defensive range and surprising pop at the plate.
- Jackson Finley (RHP, Georgia Tech): If he starts, he’ll set the tempo. If he comes in later, his ability to strand runners will be key.
- Charlie Condon (OF, Georgia): The star of the show. How Georgia Tech pitches to him may determine the outcome.
- Drew Compton (C, Georgia Tech): Tech’s best power threat, Compton has the ability to change the game with one swing.
- Davis Diaz (P, Georgia): The freshman has shown poise beyond his years and could be a major X-factor if he’s called upon in relief.
Looking Ahead
Regardless of the outcome, the Spring Classic always serves as a measuring stick for both programs. Georgia aims to stay on its course toward hosting a regional, while Georgia Tech hopes a win will be the spark for a late-season surge.
“This game always tells you something,” Hall reflected. “It tells you where you are. And it tells you how much fight you’ve got left.”
For Georgia Tech, the hope is that the answer will be resounding. With pride, postseason relevance, and redemption all on the line, the Yellow Jackets are preparing to leave it all on the field at Truist Park.
A Signature Win Within Reach
There are no easy wins in rivalry games. There are only moments — and how you respond to them. As the 2025 Spring Classic looms, Georgia Tech baseball isn’t just hoping for a victory over Georgia — they’re preparing for a spectacular one.
And if they execute the game plan, stay true to their identity, and meet the moment with poise and passion, the Yellow Jackets just might walk away with a win that echoes throughout the season.
