Georgia redshirt junior relief pitcher Justin Byrd has been an elite “go-to” option out of the bullpen for the Georgia Bulldogs.
On Tuesday, June 16, he pitched the final five innings of the game against the Texas Longhorns. He was a key part in Georgia’s 2-0 win over Texas that kept the team alive in the College World Series and alive in the race for a national championship.
Against the Longhorns, he had four strikeouts while allowing just two hits and one walk. Byrd earned his sixth win of the season as his record moved to 6-2 in 2026.
World Baseball Network takes a look at Byrd’s crazy 2026 NCAA Tournament run.
No runs allowed in the 2026 NCAA Tournament for Byrd
The last time Byrd allowed a run was on May 16 when Georgia played against the Auburn Tigers. Since then, the right-handed reliever has allowed no runs in five straight appearances on the mound and in 12 2/3 innings of work.
These appearances occurred in four NCAA Tournament games and a game in the SEC Tournament against the Florida Gators on May 23.
Over those 12 2/3 innings of work, Byrd has allowed just three hits while also striking out 13 hitters.
Byrd has provided Georgia with great relief pitching in some pretty pivotal NCAA Tournament games. He delivered in the Athens regional final against the Liberty Flames, pitched in both games of the Athens super regional against Mississippi State, and recently kept the Bulldogs alive in a College World Series elimination game against Texas.
Georgia would not be in the position to possibly win their first national title since 1990 without Byrd on their pitching staff.
Up next for Georgia
The Georgia Bulldogs will play the Oklahoma Sooners in the College World Series on Wednesday, June 17. The game at Charles Schwab Field in Omaha is at 7 p.m. ET, and the game is on ESPN.
WBN NCAA: https://worldbaseball.com/league/ncaa/
PHOTO: Georgia pitcher Justin Byrd (5) reacts after an NCAA baseball College World Series elimination game against Texas, Tuesday, June 16, 2026, in Omaha, Neb. Georgia won 2-0. (AP Photo/Vera Nieuwenhuis)
