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Georgia Tech Baseball: Jackets look to snap losing streak against Mercer

By Dylan Callaghan-Croley

Sep 10, 2016; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; A Toronto Blue Jays glove and ball sit on the field during batting practice before a game against the Boston Red Sox at Rogers Centre. Mandatory Credit: Nick Turchiaro-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 10, 2016; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; A Toronto Blue Jays glove and ball sit on the field during batting practice before a game against the Boston Red Sox at Rogers Centre. Mandatory Credit: Nick Turchiaro-USA TODAY Sports /
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In the midst of a seven-game losing streak, the Georgia Tech baseball team looks to get back to their winning ways on Tuesday evening against Mercer.

Georgia Tech (16-18) vs Mercer (32-6) – April 18th, 2017 (6 p.m ET)

Location: Russ Chandler Stadium

TV: ACC Network

Radio: WREK 91.1 FM

Notes: The two teams met earlier this season, an 11-3 victory for the Yellow Jackets.

Pitching Preview:

It’s safe to say that the last month has not been kind to the Georgia Tech baseball team. After starting the season off strong, going 9-2 in their first 11 games. Since then, the Jackets have just won 7 of 23 games. With 20 games left the Jackets are going to have to make a significant push in hopes of salvaging their season.

Next: Georgia Tech Baseball: Jackets swept by Louisville in three game series

That push will have to start on Tuesday evening when they go up against the Mercer Bears, a team they beat 11-3 at the end of last Month. Since that game, Mercer has won 11 straight games and enters Tuesday with a 32-6 record this season.

On the mound for Georgia Tech will be sophomore right-hander Jake Lee. Lee enters Tuesday’s game against Mercer with a 1-2 record and an ERA of 7.88. If the Jackets hope to win on Tuesday, Lee will have to give the Jackets a strong start. So far in both of his two starts this season Lee has struggled not getting past the third inning while allowing thirteen runs.

For Mercer, senior right-hander Josh Knies takes the hill. Knies is 2-0 on the season with an ERA of 7.80.  When it comes to Mercers’ bats, Jake Lee will have to be prepared as the Bears have four players batting above .300 and three players with double-digit home runs.

Projected Lineup:

1. Carpot – 3B

2. Bailey – 2B

3. Bart – C

4. Johnson – DH

5. Poje – RF

6. McCann – 1B

7.  Wilhite – SS

8.  Peurifoy -CF

9. Murray – LF

The Yellow Jackets offense will have to find itself on Tuesday, during the Jackets’ seven-game losing streak, they have scored more than three runs just twice. One player to watch in Tuesday’s game will be catcher Joey Bart who went 5-for-5 with two home runs last time out against Mercer. After leading the NCAA in home runs early on in the season, Bart is now tied for 25th in the country with 11 homers.

Tuesday night’s game should be a quality game between the two programs. With the Jackets entering do-or-die mode, every game means just a little bit more. For Mercer, the Bears are hoping to get a crack at the NCAA Tournament, adding a victory over Georgia Tech, despite the Jackets record will improve their chances. Both teams have plenty on the line Tuesday night in what should be a high-scoring affair.