SPORTS

Georgia rallies to defeat LSU in series opener

PUBLISHED May 8, 2026, 11:19 PM ET

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Athens, Ga. — Georgia rallied from a 6-2 deficit to beat LSU 11-8 on Friday, as the Bulldogs' fourth home run of the evening supplied the decisive margin. The teams combined for seven home runs, but Georgia’s late power proved decisive. LSU opened the scoring with a 2-0 lead in the first inning and tagged Georgia starting pitcher Joey Volchko with seven earned runs. The Tigers’ offense produced a three-home-run third inning, with Omar Serna Jr., Cade Arrambide and John Pearson each homering to give LSU a 6-2 lead after three. Georgia responded with three homers of its own, the last coming in the bottom of the seventh when Tre Phelps hit a three-run shot that put the Bulldogs ahead 11-8. LSU and Georgia meet again Saturday, May 8, at 6:00 p.m. CST for game two of the series.

By Lauren Mitchell | JQJO News

Timeline of Events

Two weeks earlier: LSU displayed late-inning vulnerabilities in series versus Mississippi State, with multiple blown leads.
Friday: LSU built a 6-2 lead after three innings, highlighted by three third-inning home runs.
Friday night: Georgia rallied and scored nine runs after the third, including a three-run seventh-inning homer, to win 11-8.
Immediately after game: Georgia improves to 39-11 overall and 19-6 in SEC play; LSU’s five-game streak ends.
Saturday: LSU names Marcos Paz as probable starter for Game 2 at 6:00 p.m. at Foley Field.

News Intelligence

This game shows the unpredictability of baseball, and the importance of resilience. Georgia's comeback from a 4-run deficit is a reminder that it's not over until it's over. If you're a baseball fan, this game was a thrilling display of power hitting. If you're a Bulldogs fan, it's a testament to their fighting spirit.

Media Bias

Articles Published:: 6
Right Leaning:: 0
Left Leaning:: 0
Neutral:: 6

Who Benefited

Georgia benefited by rallying for an 11-8 win, improving to 39-11 overall and gaining momentum in SEC play while securing a come-from-behind victory at Foley Field.

Who Impacted

LSU suffered the loss, had recurring bullpen and pitching depth issues exposed after allowing nine earned runs following the third inning, and saw a five-game winning streak end.

Media Bias

Articles Published:: 6
Right Leaning:: 0
Left Leaning:: 0
Neutral:: 6
Distribution:: Left 0%, Center 100%, Right 0%

Who Benefited

Georgia benefited by rallying for an 11-8 win, improving to 39-11 overall and gaining momentum in SEC play while securing a come-from-behind victory at Foley Field.

Who Impacted

LSU suffered the loss, had recurring bullpen and pitching depth issues exposed after allowing nine earned runs following the third inning, and saw a five-game winning streak end.