The college baseball season has officially begun, and the 2026 Georgia Diamond Dawgs are back on the Foley Field diamond with their sights set on another postseason run and ultimately a trip to Omaha.
Georgia opened the season with a solid four-game week, taking a weekend series from the Wright State Raiders before closing things out with a midweek win over the USC Upstate Spartans. It was a balanced week that featured Georgia’s signature power at the plate, solid pitching, and multiple players stepping up in big moments.
Game 1 vs. Wright State
Georgia opened the weekend with a steady, dominant performance. The Dawgs wasted no time applying pressure, jumping out to a 2–0 lead in the first inning thanks to Tre Phelps launching a two-run opposite-field homer that also scored Kenny Ishikawa.
The offense broke the game open in the middle innings. Across the fifth and sixth, Georgia strung together hit after hit and capitalized with runners in scoring position. Daniel Jackson highlighted the offensive surge with a three-run blast to left-center that pushed the Dawgs’ total to 13 runs.
From there, Georgia’s pitching staff took control, pounding the strike zone, limiting free passes, and never allowing Wright State to find an offensive rhythm. The bullpen slammed the door to secure a convincing 13–1 win and a strong start to the series and season.
Game 2 vs. Wright State
The Dawgs followed up with another complete performance in Game 2.
Kenny Ishikawa was electric on the mound, striking out eight batters over four innings while allowing just one hit. The two-way transfer is already making a serious impact in Athens.
Offensively, Georgia kept rolling. Four different Dawgs homered in the game, with Brennan Hudson leading the way. Hudson finished 2-for-2 with three walks, two RBIs, and a home run in a dominant all-around performance at the plate.
With a 9–0 lead by the seventh inning, the bullpen again handled business, shutting down any hopes of a comeback and securing the series victory.
Game 3 vs. Wright State
Georgia’s opening weekend momentum hit a bump in Game 3, as Wright State responded with a strong performance to take the finale 6–3.
The Dawgs had their chances offensively but stranded eight runners on base. Henry Allen provided a spark with a solo home run in the seventh inning, but Georgia couldn’t close the gap as Wright State capitalized in key moments to earn the win.
Georgia vs. USC Upstate
Georgia bounced back in the midweek matchup against USC Upstate with an aggressive offensive start. Daniel Jackson and Ryan Black both homered early, helping the Dawgs build a 5–1 lead by the third inning.
The offense stayed hot through the middle innings with several extra-base hits, and freshman Cole Johnson stood out as part of Georgia’s deep lineup, contributing throughout the night.
On the mound, Georgia mixed and matched arms effectively. Multiple pitchers logged quality innings, using the midweek opportunity to gain experience while still maintaining control of the game. Although Upstate chipped away at times, the Dawgs never let things get tense, closing out a 12–6 win.
Dawg Sports Diamond Dawg of the Week
The first Diamond Dawg of the Week goes to two-way standout Kenny Ishikawa. His impact on both the mound and at the plate was undeniable, and his early-season form is a major boost for Georgia moving forward.
Coming Up
The Diamond Dawgs return to Foley Field tomorrow for a three-game series against the Samford Bulldogs. First pitch for the opener is set for 3:00 p.m. ET. Following that series, Georgia will welcome the Troy Trojans to Athens for another early-season mid-week test.
Hope all of you have a great rest of your day and week. As always, GO DAWGS!!!
