2011 record: 33-32 (lost in regional finals)
Coach (seasons, career record): David Perno (10, 338-277-1)
Gone: The Bulldogs' only loss from last season was a significant one. Star outfielder Zach Cone was a first-round draft choice of the Texas Rangers.
Returning: Georgia is set on defense as eight position players return who helped establish a school record for fielding percentage (.974). Kyle Farmer and Levi Hyams formed one of the Bulldogs' best double-play combinations in years, and Curt Powell is a potential all star at third base. Georgia also returns three catchers and eight pitchers, led by 10-game winner Michael Palazzone.
Three big ifs for success
- If Tyler Maloof (18 saves in 2011) can recover from an injury to his side that has kept him out of since October.
- If the Bulldogs can hit at or near .300 as a team or near that — they hit .274 last season.
- If Georgia just takes care of business at home this season.
Schedule
February: 17-19 Presbyterian; 22 Georgia State; 24-26 Winthrop; 28 Savannah State; 29 Western Carolina.
March: 2-4 Western Illinois; 6 Kennesaw State (Coolray Field, Lawrenceville); 9-11 UCLA; 13-14 Alcorn State; 16-18 Tennessee; 20 Georgia Tech; 23-25 at Vanderbilt; 27 Clemson; 30-31 Kentucky
April: 1 Kentucky; 3 at Western Carolina; 6-8 at Arkansas; 11 at Clemson; 12-14 Ole Miss; 17 Furman; 20-22 at Florida; 24 Georgia Tech (Turner Field); 17-29 at LSU.
May: 4-6 Auburn; 9 at Georgia Tech; 11-13 South Carolina; 15 East Tennessee State; 17-19 at Alabama
Compiled by Chip Towers
