ATLANTA, Ga. – The New Orleans Privateers open their 2026 campaign with a three-game set at a Sun Belt foe as they take on the Georgia State Panthers. First pitch for the season opener on Friday will be carried on 106.7 FM The Ticket and will start at 3 p.m.
Andrew Gipson was announced as the ninth head coach in program history when he took the job officially in July. This season will be Gipson's third as a head coach after two years at Belhaven. He won 59 games with the Blazers in two seasons and took them to a Super Regional in 2025.
This season will be mostly a new look lineup from an offense that was near the top of the league in several categories including home runs (2nd), slugging percentage (2nd) and total bases (2nd) in 2025. The Privateers lost six starters either to graduation or the transfer portal.
Reid Leonard is slated to start the season opener. The Chattanooga State transfer was a two-time All-Conference selection and accrued 135 strikeouts in 125.2 innings over 33 appearances.
Adrian Dominguez made the most of his 61 at-bats last season and he was especially clutch in pinch hit situations. Dominguez hit .393 with seven doubles and 15 RBI. He was also masterful off the bench with 12 of his 24 hits coming in pinch hit situations.
The Privateers and Panthers have played seven times in program history. This will be the first time Georgia State is hosting New Orleans. The Panthers are 4-3 in the all-time series, but the Privateers won two of three at Maestri Field in 2024.
ABOUT THE OPPONENT
Georgia State won 26 games last season and went 11-19 against Sun Belt opposition. The Panthers are constructed of 20 returning players and 22 newcomers. Cole Roberts, who was the team's leader on the mound in wins (6) and ERA (4.69) last season. Carter Bailey, Wills Maginnis and Jae Williams all return for the Panthers offense and combined for 106 RBI in 2025.
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