Georgia Bulldogs sluggers aim for hot start in Wilmington

The Georgia Bulldogs baseball team is gearing up to open the 2025 season with a four-game slate in Wilmington, North Carolina, looking to make an early statement. The Dawgs will take on Quinnipiac on Friday, Feb. 14, before playing a split doubleheader on Saturday, Feb. 15, against Quinnipiac (Game 1) and UNC Wilmington (Game 2). They’ll wrap up the weekend with a second matchup against UNC Wilmington on Sunday, Feb. 16.

Georgia enters the season with high expectations following last year’s Super Regional run. Although the team must replace the production of 2024 Golden Spikes Award winner Charlie Condon and All-American Corey Collins, the Bulldogs have a powerful trio of returning bats ready to lead the charge: third baseman Slate Alford, shortstop Kolby Branch, and outfielder Tre Phelps.

Power Trio Poised to Lead the Bulldogs

Alford and Branch each belted 17 home runs last season while posting slugging percentages of .539 and .538, respectively. Both were key contributors to Georgia’s deep postseason push, and they’ll be counted on to provide pop in the heart of the lineup again in 2025.

However, the biggest breakout candidate could be Tre Phelps, who enters the season with considerable national buzz. Phelps launched 12 home runs last year while boasting a team-high .699 slugging percentage, showcasing his ability to hit for power and drive the ball to all fields. His dominance at the plate has earned him recognition from D1 Baseball, which ranks him as the No. 12 overall player in the country heading into the season.

With these three leading the offense, the Bulldogs can potentially be one of the most dangerous lineups in the SEC.

Reinforcements Add More Firepower

Georgia didn’t just rely on returning talent to maintain its power-hitting prowess—it also reloaded through the transfer portal. Outfielders Devin Obee (Duke) and Robbie Burnett (UNC Asheville) bring even more power to the Bulldogs’ lineup. Obee crushed 16 home runs with a .599 slugging percentage last season, while Burnett was even more productive, hitting 18 homers with a .656 slugging percentage.

With so much firepower, it won’t be easy for opposing pitchers to work around Georgia’s big three of Alford, Branch, and Phelps. This group could make life miserable for pitching staffs all season long, and the opening weekend in Wilmington will be the first glimpse of just how potent Georgia’s offense can be.

Omaha or Bust Mentality

Georgia enters the season with Omaha as the ultimate goal, and setting the tone early in non-conference play will be crucial. Taking at least three out of four games this weekend would be a strong opening statement for a team with championship aspirations.

The Bulldogs are built for a deep postseason run, and with a lineup stacked with power hitters, they’ll look to slug their way past Quinnipiac and UNC Wilmington to start the season on a high note.

The first pitch is Friday at noon —let the fireworks begin!