LIBERTY AT GEORGIA

ATHENS, Ga. (Interstat) — The top-ranked Georgia Bulldogs (48-12) host the Liberty Flames (42-20) on Sunday at Foley Field in the finale of a two-game series. First pitch is set for 1 p.m.

Georgia won Saturday’s opener 6-2, taking advantage of a strong start from right-hander Matt Scott. The Bulldogs, winners of eight of their last nine, look to sweep the Flames and build momentum as the postseason approaches.

Players to watch

Liberty will likely turn to right-hander Josh Swink, who has been inconsistent. In Saturday’s loss to Georgia, Swink worked 5 innings, allowing 3 hits and 2 earned runs while striking out 6. Over his last four starts, Swink has a 6.75 ERA, with 13 strikeouts and 8 walks in 14 innings. He lasted only 4 innings in a May 24 loss at Jacksonville State, surrendering 4 earned runs with 4 strikeouts.

Georgia’s Matt Scott has been dominant. In Saturday’s win at Liberty, Scott threw 5 scoreless innings, allowing no hits and striking out 4. Over his last three outings covering 13 innings, Scott has allowed 1 earned run on 3 hits with 13 strikeouts. He has not allowed a hit in his last 9 innings.

Recent results

Liberty (42-20) dropped Saturday’s series opener but had won two straight before that, including a 4-3 victory at Boston College on May 29. The Flames went 5-5 in their last 10 games, with series wins over Middle Tennessee and Sam Houston State.

Georgia (48-12) cruised past Long Island 18-2 on May 29 and has won four straight. The Bulldogs are 8-1 in their last nine, with series sweeps of Arkansas, Florida and Mississippi State. Their only loss in that stretch came May 16 at Auburn, 14-4 in eight innings.

Head-to-head

Saturday’s win gave Georgia a 1-0 lead in the season series. Liberty’s Josh Swink took the loss despite a quality start. Shortstop Rylan Lujo led Georgia with a 2-for-5 performance, including a home run and an RBI.

Looking ahead

Liberty next plays Boston College at home on June 2. Georgia travels to Florida for a three-game series starting June 5.

The Bulldogs rank among the nation’s leaders in batting average (.318) and ERA (3.15). Liberty counters with a .276 team average and a 4.20 ERA.

Sunday’s game marks the regular-season finale for both teams before conference tournaments. Georgia has already clinched the SEC East title. Liberty is vying for an at-large NCAA tournament bid.