A controversial go-ahead home run from Tre Phelps led to a late offensive surge as the Georgia Bulldogs defeated the Liberty Flames 6-1 on Sunday at Foley Field to win the NCAA Athens Regional and advance to the super regionals.

Georgia trailed 1-0 until the bottom of the sixth inning when Phelps launched a two-run home run to give the Bulldogs a 2-1 lead. Phelps, who finished 1-for-3 with two RBIs, was subsequently ejected from the game for his celebration during his home run trot.

The Bulldogs broke the game open with a four-run eighth inning, highlighted by a solo home run from Michael O'Shaughnessy, who had replaced Phelps at third base. Rylan Lujo added an RBI double and Ryan Wynn drove in two more with a single in the frame. Daniel Jackson contributed two hits, including a double, and scored a run.

Starter Caden Aoki was solid on the mound for Georgia, pitching six innings and allowing just one run on six hits. He struck out 11 and walked one. Zach Brown shut the door with three scoreless innings of relief, allowing only one hit and striking out two to secure the victory.

Liberty struck first in the top of the first inning when Jaxon Sorenson delivered an RBI single to score Riley DeCandido. DeCandido was the offensive standout for the Flames, going 3-for-4 with a double. Nick Barone also had a strong performance, hitting two doubles.

Flames starter Cooper Harrington, the team's usual closer, kept the potent Georgia offense in check for most of the contest. Harrington pitched 6⅓ innings, surrendering two runs on three hits while striking out six. The loss ended a season in which Liberty tied a program record with 43 wins.

Up next: The Bulldogs advance to the super regionals and will host the winner of the Starkville Regional.

ESPN Generative AI Services creates recaps from event data and/or transcripts that are reviewed by human editors before posting; email support@espncustomercare.com for corrections.