This Sunday, two former baseball stars from the Savannah area could square off in a Southeastern Conference (SEC) showdown in Athens, Georgia. Leighton Finley, probable starting pitcher for the University of Georgia Bulldogs, hails from Richmond Hill High School and is set to take the mound for the 7th-ranked Bulldogs in Division I college baseball. He'll be facing off against the top-ranked DI Arkansas Razorbacks, who feature starting outfielder Justin Thomas, a graduate of Benedictine Military School.
LAST SEASON
Finley has been a key player for the Georgia Bulldogs, making 17 appearances, including 16 starts, in the 2024 season. He contributed to the team's 43-17 record and advancement to the NCAA Athens Super Regional.
Thomas began his college career at Georgia, appearing in 25 games as a freshman. After a standout season at Florida SouthWestern State College, where he batted .393 with 14 homeruns and 35 stolen bases, he transferred to Arkansas.
THIS SEASON
As of April 12, 2025, Finley has made nine appearances this season, including two starts, with a 2-0 win-loss record. He has pitched 29.1 innings, allowing 28 hits and 21 earned runs, resulting in a 6.44 ERA. He has also recorded 32 strikeouts and 14 walks.
Thomas has played in 33 games this season, starting 27. He has a batting average of .268, with 25 hits in 82 at-bats. His offensive contributions include four home runs, 19 RBIs, and four stolen bases. He has also drawn 21 walks and has an on-base percentage of .427.
This matchup highlights their journeys and brings together two athletes who once shared the baseball diamond in the Savannah area. Their hometown roots add an extra layer of interest to the SEC Sunday game as they compete with opposing SEC teams.
PHOTO CREDIT: Courtesy Georgai and Arkansas Schools athletic department athletics websites
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