ATHENS, Ga. — The Georgia Bulldogs are poised for a critical SEC baseball showdown on Saturday as they look to clinch a weekend series victory over the Missouri Tigers at Foley Field. With postseason aspirations beginning to take shape and a fiercely competitive conference slate in full swing, this series carries heightened importance for a Georgia team that’s steadily climbing the standings.
After taking Game 1 on Friday night with an assertive offensive display and some gritty pitching, the Bulldogs (27-15, 9-10 SEC) are just one win away from locking in the series. A Saturday win would not only solidify momentum heading into the final weeks of the regular season but also help the Dawgs continue their push for a higher seed in the SEC Tournament—and potentially a bid to host a regional in the NCAA Tournament.
In Friday’s opener, Georgia flexed its offensive muscle in front of a packed home crowd, defeating Missouri 9-5 behind a barrage of extra-base hits and timely run production. Junior outfielder Charlie Condon, one of the nation’s top hitters, continued his tear through SEC pitching, launching his 28th home run of the season and driving in three runs.
“He’s just a special hitter,” said Georgia head coach Wes Johnson postgame. “Charlie’s been locked in all season, and it’s clear he feeds off these big-game moments.”
Condon wasn’t alone in delivering for the Bulldogs. Sophomore third baseman Slate Alford added a pair of RBIs on a double in the fourth inning, and freshman DH Tre Phelps reached base three times in a performance that underlined Georgia’s lineup depth.
On the mound, Georgia got a solid, if unspectacular, outing from junior starter Kolten Smith, who worked 5.2 innings and allowed four earned runs while striking out six. The bullpen, led by lefty reliever Leighton Finley and closer Max DeJong, slammed the door in the final innings to preserve the win.
“Winning Game 1 is always huge,” said Finley. “It lets us play with a little more freedom, but we know Missouri is going to come at us hard Saturday.”
Though every SEC series matters, this one holds particular weight for a Georgia team trying to separate itself from the crowded middle tier of the conference. At 9-10 in league play, the Bulldogs are currently sitting just outside the top half of the SEC standings. A series win over Missouri—currently last in the SEC East—would mark Georgia’s third series win in four weeks and provide vital momentum heading into a stretch that includes series against South Carolina and Florida.
Missouri (21-23, 5-14 SEC), for its part, enters Saturday’s contest in desperation mode. A disappointing season marked by inconsistent pitching and a lack of power at the plate has placed the Tigers near the bottom of the conference. However, they showed flashes of resilience in Friday’s loss, rallying to score three runs in the sixth and putting runners on in each of the final three innings.
“They’re a scrappy team,” Johnson said. “We’re not taking anything for granted. Saturday is going to be a battle.”
Charlie Condon (Georgia, OF): Condon’s combination of power and plate discipline has made him one of the most dangerous hitters in the country. He’s currently slashing .440/.535/.970 with 28 home runs and 65 RBIs. With MLB scouts consistently in attendance, every at-bat seems to bring fireworks.
Leighton Finley (Georgia, LHP): The sophomore reliever has emerged as a reliable setup man and occasional closer, boasting a 2.45 ERA in 25 appearances. If Saturday’s game is close late, expect to see him bridging the gap to DeJong.
Tre Morris (Missouri, C): The senior backstop has been one of the few bright spots for Missouri’s offense, hitting .320 with 9 home runs and playing solid defense behind the plate. He’s also provided invaluable leadership to a young and inconsistent pitching staff.
Jared Thomas (Missouri, OF): Thomas went 2-for-4 in Friday’s loss and has been heating up in recent weeks. The Tigers will look to him to jumpstart their lineup in Game 2.
Georgia is expected to start sophomore right-hander Owen Cherniss (3-1, 4.21 ERA), who has quietly become a steady presence in the weekend rotation. Cherniss mixes a mid-90s fastball with a sharp slider and has shown an ability to keep hitters off balance, particularly in long outings.
Missouri counters with junior left-hander Carter Rustad (2-5, 5.87 ERA), a veteran who’s struggled with control at times but has shown flashes of brilliance when he’s on. Rustad will have his hands full against a Georgia lineup that has homered in 18 consecutive games and ranks second in the SEC in runs scored.
“Our approach doesn’t change,” said Condon when asked about facing a lefty. “We’re looking to barrel balls, be patient, and make pitchers work.”
1. Stay Hot at the Plate: Georgia’s offense has been lethal all season, but consistency is key. Condon, Alford, and Corey Collins form a formidable middle of the order, but contributions from role players like Phelps and Ben Anderson could tilt the balance.
2. Control the Running Game: Missouri has been aggressive on the basepaths in recent weeks, trying to manufacture runs with bunts and steals. Catcher Fernando Gonzalez will need to be sharp with his throws, and pitchers must hold runners better than they did during Friday’s mid-game lapse.
3. Keep the Bullpen Fresh: If Georgia gets a lead early, Johnson may look to mix and match his bullpen to conserve arms for the series finale on Sunday. That means Cherniss going deep into the game could be crucial.
Georgia fans showed up strong Friday night, with over 3,500 packing Foley Field under clear skies and mild spring temperatures. That home-field energy will be important again Saturday, as the Bulldogs look to maintain their home dominance—where they’ve gone 19-6 so far this season.
“It feels like a playoff environment,” said Johnson. “You can feel the energy when these guys take the field at home.”
The Saturday crowd is expected to be even larger, with alumni events and student promotions planned throughout the afternoon. First pitch is set for 2:00 p.m. ET, with sunshine and mid-70s temperatures in the forecast.
After the Missouri series, Georgia has just three SEC series remaining: at South Carolina, home against Florida, and then a road finale at Kentucky. Each presents different challenges, but winning the Missouri series would put the Bulldogs in a strong position to reach the 14- or even 15-win mark in conference play—a potential ticket to the NCAA Tournament and an outside shot at hosting a regional.
For Missouri, the Saturday contest represents an opportunity to regroup and potentially push the series to a rubber match on Sunday. A win would snap their five-game SEC losing streak and offer a much-needed confidence boost.
As the SEC regular season winds down, every game takes on added meaning. For Georgia, Saturday’s matchup with Missouri isn’t just about taking a series—it’s about continuing to build confidence, prove consistency, and take care of business at home.
For a team with postseason aspirations and a superstar in the middle of its lineup, the path is clear: dominate the teams below you in the standings and steal a few more from the ones above. Saturday gives Georgia a chance to do just that—and to make another statement in front of a roaring home crowd.
