Georgia baseball advances to super regionals after win over Liberty, but Phelps’ ejection sparks controversy

ATLANTA, Ga. (Atlanta News First) — The Georgia Bulldogs are headed back to the Super Regional round, but the victory that sealed their 12th regional final appearance in program history came with plenty of drama on Sunday against the Liberty Flames.

Needing one win to advance, Georgia leaned on a dominant outing from pitcher Caden Aoki, who struck out 11 over six innings while allowing just one earned run. Aoki was in control late, striking out three in the sixth as he helped keep the Bulldogs within striking distance before the offense took over.

Down earlier in the game, Georgia finally broke through in the sixth inning when Tre Phelps delivered the swing that changed everything. His home run to left field cleared the fence and ignited the Bulldogs’ dugout, putting Georgia in front for good.

The celebration, however, went too far for the officials. Phelps was ejected for taunting after his home run celebration, a decision that immediately drew the attention of Georgia head coach Wes Johnson, who came out to argue the call and was also ejected.

Johnson later said Phelps was acknowledging family members seated above the Liberty dugout and insisted the celebration was directed toward them, not the opposing team.

As a result of the ejection, Phelps will be unavailable for Game 1 of the Super Regional.

Despite the controversy, the Bulldogs held on for a 6–1 win over the Liberty Flames to clinch the regional and advance.

Georgia now moves forward in the NCAA Tournament with momentum — and a key absence — as it prepares for the next stage of its postseason run.