Georgia Tech started their five-game road trip off with a win on Wednesday, defeating Georgia State 12-6.
The Georgia Tech baseball team entered Wednesday night’s showdown with crosstown rival Georgia State with an 8-3 record but coming off their first loss since opening weekend. A win on Wednesday night would be pivotal in the Jackets starting the five game road trip off on the right foot. The Jackets did just that defeating the Panthers 12-6, earning their eighth win in nine tries.
The Jackets sent freshman starter Hugh Chapman to the mound for his second start of the season. Chapman got off to a slow start on Wednesday, allowing two runs in the first inning to the Panthers but was able to calm down and throw three scoreless innings. He finished the day with three walks and four strikeouts.
The Jackets bullpen would be solid for most of the night in relief of Chapman except freshman Joseph Mannelly who struggled and allowed four runs in less than an inning of work. In his last appearance, he pitched a scoreless inning.
Offensively, the Jackets were lead by Carter Hall who’s been on a recent hot streak. On Wednesday, Hall contributed to the Jackets win by going 2-for-2 at the plate with three RBI, he hit his second home run of the season in the process. He’s not hitting .417 in the process through 12 at-bats.
First baseman Tristin English hit his third home run of the season on Wednesday while knocking in four RBI of his own. English now has a team leading 15 RBI on the season and is hitting .327. Other notable offensive performers include 2B Wade Bailey (2-for-4), Kyle McCann (1-for-1, 4 BB), Austin Wilhite (2-for-4, 1 RBI).
The Jackets will be back on the diamond on Friday as they take on the Clemson Tigers on the road. The Tigers are winners of four straight and are the sixth ranked team in the nation entering Friday night. Last season, the Jackets were swept in their lone three game series against the Tigers.
Next: Importance of Jackets road trip
The Jackets probable starter for Friday night is sophomore Xzavion Curry who enters the weekend series with 3-0 record this season with an ERA of exactly 1.00 over 18 innings pitched. Opponents are hitting just .185 off the sophomore.