Georgia baseball coach David Perno prefers to see the bright side of his team's accomplishments, not the failures of the season's final two games.

The Bulldogs coach views the team as one that responded strongly after the disappointing 2007 season. But he admitted that coming up one game short of the national championship will hurt for a while.

Eric Francis/AP (ENLARGE)

Georgia's Gordon Beckham, left, and Dean Weaver console after losing to Fresno State 6-1 in Game 3 of the best-of-three NCAA College World Series championship baseball series.

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"This is a lonely place," Perno said. "As hard as we fought and as much as we accomplished, we didn't get it done. Our guys were 23-33 last year and set their sights to be here. Not only did they get here, they finished one game away from winning it all."

Georgia finished the season 45-25-1 and finished second at the College World Series.

"One game doesn't mean our season is a failure at all," third baseman Ryan Peisel said. "It's been a pleasure, an honor, to work with these players and this staff. Don't judge us because we came up one game short. It's not going to change what this team has done."

The Bulldogs set team records for most games played, total bases, at-bats, hits and innings pitched. They fell two strikeouts short of tying that record and accumulated team totals that will rank second in school history in home runs, runs score, RBIs and fielding percentage.

Two Bulldogs were named to the all-tournament team: Peisel and shortstop Gordon Beckham. Peisel, a senior, was 11-for-27 with two home runs and seven RBIs. Beckham, a junior, was 12-for-23 with two homers and five RBIs. Beckham, who is expected to sign soon as the Chicago White Sox' No. 1 pick, would likely have been the Most Valuable Player of the CWS had Georgia won the title. The Dogs also lose right fielder Matt Olson.

Even if Beckham does take the money and walks away, the Bulldogs have plenty of returning starters: first baseman Rich Poythress, catcher Bryce Massanari, left fielder Lyle Allen, center fielder Matt Cerione, designated hitters Joey Lewis and Robbie O'Bryan and second baseman Michael Demperio. Also returning are David Thoms and Miles Starr, who platooned at second base when Demperio injured his knee in May.

Although Nick Montgomery must be replaced, Trevor Holder, the No. 1 starter, and Nathan Moreau, the No. 3 starter, will be seniors. But both were drafted — Holder by Florida in the 10th round and Moreau by Baltimore in the 11th round — and could leave school.

The Dogs will lose relief ace Joshua Fields, but return Alex McRee, Dean Weaver and Will Harvil. Also Stephen Dodson will be a senior, but he was drafted by Colorado in the 10th round and might go pro. If he stays, he could return to the rotation, and McRee is also a prospect there.

"We'll miss our seniors and our junior signees," Perno said. "They're a great group, and I've very proud of them. It was definitely a tough day for us, that's for sure."