Georgia and Florida Clash in Massive Weekend Series

The No.4 Georgia Bulldogs and the No.13 Florida Gators clash in a massive series this weekend. It’ll be the next chapter in this historic rivalry between two teams that wish nothing but the worst for each other. It is a big series for both teams. Georgia, (21-2, 2-1 SEC) didn’t have a midweek game this week but wants to build on its conference win over Kentucky. Florida (18-5, 0-3 SEC) enters this series having won both midweek games but searching for its first SEC win.

The Gators lead the all-time series 195-116-2 and have won three of the last four series.

Can Florida Slowdown Georgia

If you haven’t got the chance to watch Georgia play this season, buckle up. These Bulldogs know how to score a lot. In 23 games, Georgia has scored 229 runs, averaging about 10 runs per game. That would rank seventh best in the nation. Similar to Florida, the lineup has no weaknesses. The team is hitting .317 and at any moment someone new can catch fire and hurt you.

Long Ball Lovers

If there is one thing Georgia is good at, it’s hitting home runs. They are so good they rank No.1 in the nation in home runs with 57. The team averages two per game which ranks second behind Tennessee. Two guys in particular have led the way for Georgia and that’s Ryland Zaborowski and Robbie Burnett. Both transferred to UGA this offseason and have had the most production for Georgia.

Like clockwork ⏰#GoDawgs | @ryzabo pic.twitter.com/yCNtamjI9W

— Georgia Baseball (@BaseballUGA) March 15, 2025

Zaborowski has been an absolute animal this season. The graduate transfer from Miami (OH) leads the the SEC in home runs (12), OPS (1.647) and Slugging % (1.079). He is also second in RBIs (40) and third in batting average (.444). Burnett has been equally as productive this season. He is hitting .414 with 11 home runs, 36 RBIs, a team-leading 29 hits and 11 stole bases. He’ll get on base any way he can, even if that means getting hit by the pitch. Burnett leads the nation in HBP with 16. The dynamic duo have each been awarded SEC Player of the Week this season.

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What’s scary is even when these two aren’t hitting home runs, others are. Henry Hunter has now found his stride with six on the season. Hunter hit four out against Kentucky and is hitting .329. Slate Alford is hitting .300 from the lead-off spot with six homers and 30 RBIs. Tre Phelps is the most charismatic person on the team and does damage at the plate. Phelps is hitting .318 with five home runs and is tied for second on the team with 28 hits.

Will the Pitching Show Up for Florida

Georgia does not get cheated at the plate. They are a very disciplined team that forces pitchers to beat them otherwise, they are  more than happy taking a walk. Georgia has walked 159 times this season, fourth-most in the country. Florida has done well at not allowing free passes must keep that going.

It’s going to start with the Gators’ starting pitching. Florida ranks second in starting pitching ERA (2.18), mainly because of how well right-handed pitchers Liam Peterson and Aidan King have done. They don’t waste pitches unless they need to; otherwise, the duo takes complete command of the zone. Peterson is not expected to start this series due to injury. King will be moved up to the Friday night starter and will have to find a way eat up some innings for Florida.  It is critical that King does this that way Florida does not burn through the bullpen faster than they need to.

"I’ve seen several top tier freshman pitchers already this spring and @Aidan_King_09 has been the best to date. He’s a first-round prospect for the 2027 draft."@DSeifertD1PBR takes a look at the @GatorsBB righty and other standout prospects from last weekend in Knoxville ⤵️ pic.twitter.com/raMhlloAqX

— D1Baseball (@d1baseball) March 20, 2025

Speaking of the bullpen, can it be counted on or not? Yes, it did look better this week against Jacksonville and FAMU. But it was the biggest reason why the Tennessee series fell apart the way it did. There is not much of a drop-off in difficulty level when comparing the Volunteers and the Bulldogs’ offensive production. The Gators rank 15th in the conference in bullpen ERA (5.80).

With depth and inexperience starting to show, it puts even more pressure on the starters to perform. Otherwise, you can ask Kentucky what happens when the starting pitching fails early and then a limited bullpen has to be used on repeat the remainder of the series. Spoiler alert, it was not good. Georgia scored 36 runs in three games and wore out Wildcat pitching. It can do the same with Florida.

Can the Gators Take Advantage of the Bulldogs’ Pitching Woes

Comparing Georgia starting pitching to the bullpen would be like asking someone if they want ice cream or anchovies. One is good and the other is gross (sorry if that offends anyone). Unfortunately, the starting pitching is the anchovies. A group that came into the season with high expectations has been terrible. A combination of injuries and guys not performing has consistently put this team in a big hole to start games.

However, just like ice cream, the bullpen always delivers. The Bulldogs’ bullpen has made up for all the trouble the starters get into by going out and delivering each time. What’s probably the most bi-polar stat, is Georgia starting pitching ranks last in the SEC with an 11.44 ERA. On the other hand, the bullpen ranks eighth in the conference with a 3.49 ERA. Georgia starters have only tallied 39 1/3 innings pitched this year, while the bullpen is at 149 2/3 innings thrown.

Knock the Starters Out ASAP

The plan for Florida is simple. Do what every other team has done to them this year and attack their starters early on. Bulldog starters have allowed three or more runs in the first four innings of a game fifteen times. With a lineup as good as Florida, do not be surprised if this trend continues.

Similar to Georgia being disciplined at the plate, Florida needs to be too. Georgia pitchers have struggled mightily at times with finding the zone and giving up free passes. As a staff they have allowed 109 walks which ranks 160th. Florida will eat Georgia alive if they get free rides to first base at a high rate.

Need the Big Boys to Show Up

Last week the offense was shut down for the most part by Tennessee. This week the big boys need to show up. Colby Shelton leads the SEC in hits (37) and is batting a team-leading .407. He went 6-for-8 in the midweek with three doubles and four RBIs. Brody Donay has more power than anyone and needs to show it. He has cooled off since starting red-hot but does lead the team in home runs (8) and will have opportunities this weekend.

Someone who could have themselves a series is Brendan Lawson. The big Maple has been rolling with hits in six of the last seven games. Against this struggling pitching staff, he should have a good weekend.

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What is Next

The schedule for this series is as follows: Friday at 6:30 p.m., Saturday at noon, and Sunday at 1 p.m. You can watch Friday and Sunday’s games on SEC Network + and Saturday on SEC Network. Listen live all weekend long too at ESPN 98.1FM/850AM WRUF + WJXL 1010AM.