HOOVER, ALA. — Georgia defeated Mississippi State 5-3 on Thursday in the Southeastern Conference Tournament, earning the program's first SEC Tournament win since 2021. Brennan Hudson's three-run home run in the fourth inning powered the top-seeded Bulldogs past the No. 8 seed on May 21, 2026.

Georgia, ranked fourth nationally, entered the tournament with a 44-12 record and the SEC regular season title after a double bye. Mississippi State came in ranked 14th with a 40-17 record. The win was Georgia's fourth over Mississippi State this season. Georgia has scored more runs this season than any other SEC team.

Georgia opened the scoring in the second inning when Kolby Branch hit a bases-loaded sacrifice fly to right field, driving in Kenny Ishikawa. Hudson's three-run shot in the fourth extended the lead before Mississippi State began to push back.

Starting pitcher Joey Volchko allowed two runs on seven hits over five innings for Georgia. Gehrig Frie led off the sixth with a double and scored on a single by Ace Reese. In the seventh, Ishikawa drew a bases-loaded walk to drive in another run.

Rylan Lujo stole his 10th base of the year during the game, and Tre Phelps was hit by a pitch for the 31st time this season, setting a Georgia school record.

Mississippi State starter Duke Stone entered the game with a 6-2 record and a 5.43 ERA. Reliever Jack Bauer tossed 2 2/3 scoreless, hitless innings for Mississippi State.

Noah Sullivan hit a leadoff home run in the ninth inning off Stanford transfer Matt Scott. Scott retired the remaining batters to earn his fifth save of the season. Sullivan's home run was the only run Mississippi State scored in the final three innings.

Georgia will face either Alabama or Florida in Saturday's quarterfinal. The game was streamed on the SEC Network and FUBO.