Georgia used the long ball to power its way to a 6-2 victory over Liberty in the NCAA Athens Regional on Saturday at Foley Field in Athens, Georgia.

The Bulldogs launched five home runs, starting with a two-run shot from Daniel Jackson in the top of the first inning to open the scoring. Jackson finished 1-for-3. After Liberty tied the score in the bottom of the frame, Georgia's power display continued. Kenny Ishikawa and Ryan Wynn hit solo home runs in the third to give the Bulldogs a 4-2 lead they would not relinquish. Rylan Lujo added a solo homer in the sixth, and Brennan Hudson provided the final margin with another solo shot in the ninth. Lujo went 2-for-5, Hudson was 2-for-4, Ishikawa finished 1-for-4 and Wynn was 1-for-4.

After starter Dylan Vigue lasted just 1⅓ innings, allowing two runs (one earned) on two hits, the Georgia bullpen was dominant. Matt Scott was stellar in relief, tossing five scoreless innings while allowing just one hit and striking out four. Justin Byrd finished the game with 2⅔ perfect innings, striking out four to secure the win.

Liberty answered Georgia's initial burst with two runs in the bottom of the first. Jordan Jaffe drove in a run with a single, and a subsequent throwing error allowed another run to score to make it 2-2. Jaffe finished 1-for-4. Tanner Marsh contributed a single and a stolen base, going 1-for-3. However, the Flames' offense was held to just three hits.

Liberty starting pitcher Bradley Zayac struggled against Georgia, surrendering four earned runs on seven hits and three home runs in 3⅔ innings. Reliever Josh Swink pitched five innings, allowing two runs on three hits while striking out six.

Up next: Liberty will face Boston College in an elimination game at Foley Field in Athens, Georgia, on Sunday at noon ET. Georgia advances to the regional final on Sunday at 5 p.m. at the same venue.

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