Peach Belt (PBC) Tournament Preview
- Robert Frey
- May 1
- 10 min read
The Peach Belt Conference Baseball Tournament gets underway with a unique two-part format. First, the action kicks off May 2-4 with opening weekend brackets hosted by the top two seeds, #1 North Georgia in Dahlonega, Ga., and #2 Lander in Greenwood, S.C. Each site will feature a four-team, double-elimination tournament. The two teams that emerge victorious from the opening weekend will then advance to a best-of-three championship series hosted by the highest remaining seed from May 8-9. Fans looking to catch the action from home can watch via a paywalled video stream, with options of $18 for the first weekend or $40 for a full tournament pass.
Let’s get into the eight teams vying for the chance to win the Peach Belt Tournament Title and an automatic bid into the Southeast Regional.
#1 Seed North Georgia
North Georgia claimed the Peach Belt Conference regular-season title and the No. 1 seed for the tournament with an impressive 23-4 conference record. They finished the regular season with a strong 36-13 overall mark and are the No.13 team in our rankings. As the top seed, they will host one of the opening weekend brackets in Dahlonega, Ga.. Their first game is against the No. 8 seed, Augusta, on Friday, May 2nd, at 11:00 AM Eastern Time.
Team Highlights:
The Nighthawks field a dominant team, leading the PBC offensively as the 1st ranked team in batting average (.309) and ranking 2nd in OPS (.882). Their disciplined approach at the plate earned them the 1st rank for walks drawn (287). On the mound, North Georgia features the 3rd best staff ERA (4.79) and ranks 4th in strikeouts (351). They also excel at controlling the strike zone, ranking 3rd in K/BB ratio (2.17), and are effective at controlling the running game with the 1st ranked caught stealing percentage (31.2%) in the conference.
Players to Watch:
Offense:
Phillip Ard: Provides immense power (19 HR), exceptional overall production (1.134 OPS), and leads the team with 79 RBI.
Andrews Opata: Hits for a very high average (.389 BA), shows outstanding overall production (1.073 OPS), hits for power (11 HR), and is a major threat on the bases (33 SB).
Jace Bowen: Hits for a high average (.366 BA).
Nicholas Stinson: Also hits for a high average (.366 BA).
Pitching:
Matthew Heard: Demonstrates excellent command over 57.0 innings pitched with a 5.55 K/BB ratio.
Luke Earnhardt: Effectively limits walks relative to strikeouts over 75.2 innings (3.50 K/BB).
Zach Green: Shows good command in his 36.1 innings pitched (2.58 K/BB).
North Georgia enters the PBC Tournament as the regular-season champion and host for the opening weekend. They showcase a potent offense (1st BA, 2nd OPS, 1st BB) and a strong pitching staff (3rd ERA, 4th SO, 3rd K/BB) complemented by excellent defense against the run (1st CS%). Powered by hitters like Phillip Ard (1.134 OPS, 19 HR, 79 RBI) and Andrews Opata (.389 BA, 1.073 OPS, 33 SB), and featuring pitchers with strong command like Matthew Heard (5.55 K/BB) and Luke Earnhardt (3.50 K/BB), the Nighthawks are well-equipped for their opening game against Augusta and a deep tournament run.
#2 Seed Lander
Lander University secured the No. 2 seed for the Peach Belt Conference Tournament, matching the top seed with a 23-4 conference record and finishing the regular season 37-13 overall. As the second seed, they will host an opening weekend bracket in Greenwood, S.C., starting with a matchup against the No. 7 seed, USC Aiken, on Friday, May 2nd, at 3:00 PM Eastern Time.
Team Highlights:
The Bearcats possess a powerful offense and a well-rounded team profile. Their offense ranks 3rd in the PBC in team batting average (.307) and leads the conference with the 1st ranked team OPS (.887). They exhibit patience, ranking 2nd in walks drawn (269), and are aggressive on the bases, ranking 2nd in stolen bases (80). Lander's pitching staff is effective at missing bats, ranking 2nd in strikeouts (412), and limiting hits, holding the 2nd best batting average against (.253). Defensively, they are superb, boasting the 1st ranked fielding percentage (.977) and ranking Tied for 2nd in caught stealing percentage (25.6%).
Players to Watch:
Offense:
Grant Sherrod: Leads the potent Bearcat offense with a remarkable batting average (.422 BA), outstanding overall production (1.145 OPS), and pacing the team with 70 RBI.
Connor Droze: Provides significant power in the middle of the lineup with 10 home runs.
Pitching:
Dominic Puccetti: Anchors the staff over 76.1 innings with a very low ERA (3.07 ERA) and strong command (3.07 K/BB).
Kurt Rogers: Has been effective over 32.0 innings, posting a low ERA (3.38 ERA).
Luke Johnson: Contributes quality innings (41.1 IP) with a low ERA (3.27 ERA).
Tyler Bowen: Misses bats at a high rate (37.7 K%) and displays good command (2.69 K/BB) across 25.1 innings.
Lander enters the tournament as a host site and co-regular season champion, bringing the PBC's 1st ranked offense by OPS (.887), supported by the 2nd most walks (269) and 2nd most stolen bases (80). Their pitching staff limits hits effectively (2nd BAA) and racks up strikeouts (2nd SO), backed by the conference's best defense (1st FLD%, T-2nd CS%). Led by offensive force Grant Sherrod (.422 BA, 1.145 OPS, 70 RBI) and featuring key arms like Dominic Puccetti (3.07 ERA, 3.07 K/BB) and Tyler Bowen (37.7 K%), the Bearcats are well-positioned for a strong tournament run, starting against USC Aiken.
#3 Seed Georgia College & State University
Georgia College enters the Peach Belt Conference Tournament as the No. 3 seed after finishing with a 19-8 conference record and a 28-22 mark overall. They will travel to Greenwood, S.C., for the opening weekend, facing the No. 6 seed, Flagler, in Game 2 on Friday, May 2nd, at 6:00 PM Eastern Time.
Team Highlights:
The Bobcats field a strong offense, ranking 2nd in the PBC in team batting average (.308) and 3rd in team OPS (.860). They display good plate discipline, ranking 3rd in walks drawn (267), and possess speed on the bases, ranking Tied for 3rd in stolen bases (66).
Players to Watch:
Offense:
Braeden Smith: Smith leads the offense with an impressive batting average (.387 BA), outstanding overall production (1.199 OPS), significant power (12 HR), and leads the team with 66 RBI.
Ben Hamacher: Hits for a high average (.352 BA).
Pitching:
Bradley Wilson: Wilson has been exceptional over 80.1 innings, posting a very low ERA (2.02 ERA).
Will Sims: Over 40.1 innings, Sims demonstrates good command with a 2.67 K/BB ratio.
Georgia College & State University brings a formidable offense (2nd BA, 3rd OPS, 3rd BB, T-3rd SB) to the tournament. Anchored by standout performer Braeden Smith (.387 BA, 1.199 OPS, 12 HR, 66 RBI) and featuring ace pitcher Bradley Wilson (2.02 ERA over 80.1 IP), the Bobcats have key players capable of leading them deep into the postseason, starting with their opening matchup against Flagler.
#4 Seed Columbus State
Columbus State University earned the No. 4 seed for the Peach Belt Conference Tournament with a 17-10 record in league play, finishing the regular season 27-20 overall. They will travel to Dahlonega, Ga. for the opening weekend, facing the No. 5 seed, Georgia Southwestern, in Game 2 on Friday, May 2nd, at 3:00 PM Eastern Time.
Team Highlights:
The Cougars field a competitive team, ranking 5th in the PBC in team batting average (.294) and 5th in team OPS (.821). Their pitching staff ranks 5th in the conference for total strikeouts (332), and they play solid defense, holding the 3rd best fielding percentage (.973) in the league.
Players to Watch:
Offense:
Cayden Evans: Hits for a high average (.372 BA) and provides excellent overall production (1.016 OPS).
Cole Eison: Contributes strong overall production (1.006 OPS) and power (11 HR).
Warrick Wilmot: Leads the team in run production with 50 RBI.
Pitching:
Tucker Starling: Starling has been excellent over 26.2 innings, posting a very low ERA (1.69 ERA) and good command (2.50 K/BB).
Bailey Thorne: Thorne demonstrates strong command over 31.1 innings pitched (3.64 K/BB).
Columbus State enters the tournament with a capable offense (5th BA, 5th OPS), a pitching staff that can collect strikeouts (5th SO), and a reliable defense (3rd FLD%). Key offensive contributors include Cayden Evans (.372 BA, 1.016 OPS) and Cole Eison (1.006 OPS, 11 HR), while Tucker Starling (1.69 ERA, 2.50 K/BB) highlights the pitching staff. The Cougars look to make a run starting with their opening matchup against Georgia Southwestern.
#5 Seed Georgia Southwestern
Georgia Southwestern enters the Peach Belt Conference Tournament as the No. 5 seed after posting a 16-11 record in conference play and finishing 29-21 overall. They will travel to Dahlonega, Ga. for the opening weekend, facing the No. 4 seed, Columbus State, in Game 2 on Friday, May 2nd, at 3:00 PM Eastern Time.
Team Highlights:
The Hurricanes boast a solid offense, ranking 4th in the PBC in team batting average (.302) and 4th in team OPS (.834). Their pitching staff is one of the best in the conference, featuring the 2nd lowest team ERA (4.64), ranking 3rd in total strikeouts (378), and holding opponents to the 3rd lowest batting average (.258).
Players to Watch:
Offense:
Paul Hegeman: Leads the offense with a high batting average (.358 BA), excellent overall production (1.042 OPS), and paces the team with 65 RBI.
David Hernandez: Hits for a high average (.362 BA).
Cory Lee: Also hits for a high average (.364 BA).
Pitching:
Andrew Geiger: Has been outstanding over 88.0 innings, posting a very low ERA (3.07 ERA) and excellent command (4.10 K/BB).
Carsen Plumadore: Provides strong relief over 35.1 innings with a low ERA (3.31 ERA) and great command (3.89 K/BB).
Georgia Southwestern brings a well-rounded team to the tournament, featuring a top-tier pitching staff (2nd ERA, 3rd SO, 3rd BAA) and a capable offense (4th BA, 4th OPS). Led offensively by Paul Hegeman (.358 BA, 1.042 OPS, 65 RBI) and anchored on the mound by workhorse Andrew Geiger (3.07 ERA, 4.10 K/BB over 88.0 IP), the Hurricanes are prepared for their opening-round matchup against Columbus State.
#6 Seed Flagler
Flagler College enters the Peach Belt Conference Tournament as the No. 6 seed after finishing the season with a 13-14 conference record and a 30-18 mark overall. They will travel to Greenwood, S.C. for the opening weekend, taking on the No. 3 seed, Georgia College & State University, in Game 2 on Friday, May 2nd, at 6:00 PM Eastern Time.
Team Highlights:
The Saints excel on the mound and in the field, boasting the PBC's 1st ranked team ERA (3.58). Their pitching staff also leads the conference, ranking 1st in strikeouts (390), 1st in opponent batting average (.248), and 1st in K/BB ratio (2.32). Defensively, they are sharp, holding the 2nd best fielding percentage (.974) in the league. On the basepaths, Flagler is aggressive, ranking 1st in stolen bases (120).
Players to Watch:
Offense:
Eli Maddox: Leads the offense with a very high batting average (.395 BA), excellent overall production (1.031 OPS), and paces the team with 39 RBI.
Mason Gray: A major threat on the bases with 24 stolen bases.
Taylor Shultz: Also adds significant speed with 20 stolen bases.
Pitching:
Ethan Bobo: Excels out of the bullpen over 45.2 innings with a low ERA (3.35 ERA), a high strikeout rate (30.3 K%), and elite command (5.18 K/BB).
Eli Roberts: Posts a very low ERA (2.96 ERA) with strong command (3.57 K/BB) across 45.2 innings.
Ben Stubbs: Has been effective over 68.1 innings with a low ERA (3.16 ERA).
Cooper Smith: Shows good command over 79.2 innings (2.95 K/BB).
Daniel Fischer: Demonstrates solid command across 74.1 innings (2.76 K/BB).
Flagler comes into the tournament with the PBC's premier pitching staff (1st ERA, 1st SO, 1st BAA, 1st K/BB) and a top-tier defense (2nd FLD%). They couple that with the league's most potent running game (1st SB). While their overall offensive numbers aren't league-leading, key hitters like Eli Maddox (.395 BA, 1.031 OPS) provide production, and speedsters Mason Gray (24 SB) and Taylor Shultz (20 SB) create pressure. With dominant arms like Ethan Bobo (3.35 ERA, 30.3 K%, 5.18 K/BB) and Eli Roberts (2.96 ERA, 3.57 K/BB), the Saints present a unique challenge, starting with Georgia College & State University.
#7 Seed USC Aiken
USC Aiken enters the Peach Belt Conference Tournament as the No. 7 seed after finishing with an 11-16 record in conference play and 22-27 overall. They will travel to Greenwood, S.C. for the opening weekend bracket, facing the host and No. 2 seed, Lander, in Game 1 on Friday, May 2nd, at 3:00 PM Eastern.
Team Highlights:
The Pacers excel at generating strikeouts and running the bases. Their pitching staff leads the PBC, ranking 1st in total strikeouts with 430. On the basepaths, they rank 3rd in the conference with 72 stolen bases.
Players to Watch:
Offense:
Josh Sharp: Sharp leads the offense with a high batting average (.374 BA), exceptional overall production (1.149 OPS), and is a major threat on the bases (26 SB).
Jack Hobson: Provides significant power (16 HR), strong overall production (1.003 OPS), and leads the team with 56 RBI.
Pitching:
Blayne Newman: Misses bats at a high rate (32.9 K%) and demonstrates excellent command (3.68 K/BB) over 68.1 innings.
Charles Herring Jr.: Also racks up strikeouts effectively (32.2 K%) across 25.2 innings pitched.
USC Aiken brings the PBC's top strikeout pitching staff (1st SO) and an aggressive baserunning team (3rd SB) into the tournament. While their overall team stats aren't among the league leaders in other categories, they possess standout players capable of making an impact. Led offensively by Josh Sharp (.374 BA, 1.149 OPS, 26 SB) and Jack Hobson (1.003 OPS, 16 HR, 56 RBI), and featuring pitchers who can miss bats like Blayne Newman (32.9 K%, 3.68 K/BB) and Charles Herring Jr. (32.2 K%), the Pacers will look to challenge the host Lander in their opening game.
#8 Seed Augusta
Augusta enters the Peach Belt Conference Tournament as the No. 8 seed after finishing the conference slate with an 8-19 record and a 12-38 mark overall. As the eighth seed, they will travel to Dahlonega, Ga. for the opening weekend, facing the host and No. 1 seed, North Georgia, in Game 1 on Friday, May 2nd, at 11:00 AM Eastern Time.
Players to Watch:
Offense:
Parker Ingram: Ingram leads the Jaguars' offense, providing excellent overall production (1.048 OPS), significant power (15 HR), and leading the team with 53 RBI.
Pitching:
Caleb Jatko: Has been effective over 27.1 innings, posting a low ERA (3.29 ERA).
Caleb Bohn: Demonstrates solid command over 47.2 innings pitched (2.76 K/BB).
Augusta faces a tough test in the opening round against the tournament's top seed. They will rely on key players like offensive leader Parker Ingram (1.048 OPS, 15 HR, 53 RBI) and pitchers Caleb Jatko (3.29 ERA) and Caleb Bohn (2.76 K/BB) as they look to pull off an upset in Dahlonega.
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