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Georgia Tech Baseball: Despite comeback attempt, Jackets fall to Virginia Tech

By Dylan Callaghan-Croley

ATLANTA, GA - APRIL 08: A general view of baseball gloves ahead of the Philadephia Phillies versus Atlanta Braves during their opening day game at Turner Field on April 8, 2011 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty Images)
ATLANTA, GA - APRIL 08: A general view of baseball gloves ahead of the Philadephia Phillies versus Atlanta Braves during their opening day game at Turner Field on April 8, 2011 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty Images) /
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The Georgia Tech baseball team fell on Saturday to the Virginia Tech Hokies despite a valiant comeback effort.

Looking to pickup where they left off on Friday, the Georgia Tech baseball team looked to win their second-straight game on Saturday against Virginia Tech. The Yellow Jackets, who put up 16 runs in a win on Friday had to feel good about their chances with Connor Thomas being sent to the mound.

However, for a second straight day, the Jackets starting pitcher struggled. On Saturday, Thomas lasted just three and two-thirds of an inning allowing five runs on ten hits. He only struck out two in the process, a season low for him in strikeouts. The Jackets used seven relievers once Thomas left the game including four pitchers logging less than an inning. Thomas would pick up the loss for the Jackets, dropping his record to 2-2 on the season.

The Jackets offensively were quiet the first six innings, scoring just two runs. Entering the seventh inning, they found themselves down 10-2, in need of a massive comeback. The Jackets would cut the Hokies lead to six in the seventh as Jackets starting catcher Joey Bart went deep once again on Saturday, marking his seventh home run of the season. The junior catcher and MLB Draft prospect is now hitting .391 on the season and has 15 RBI through 17 games. He is slowly closing in on 100 career RBI as he sits at 89.

After going scoreless in the eighth inning, the Jackets would need a six run ninth inning to tie the game. A Joey Bart single would cut the lead to five before Tristin English drove in two, one of them thanks to a throwing error by the Hokies. Kyle McCann would drive in a fourth run on a single, his 10th RBI of the season.

That’s where the Jackets ninth inning rally would come to an end as Austin Wilhite and Paxton Rigby both struck out to end the game.

Takeaway:

For the second straight game, the Jackets starting pitcher was roughed up early by the Hokies. The Hokies haven’t been the strongest offense this season, creating a little cause of concern. But perhaps, it’s just bad timing for both Xzavion Curry and Connor Thomas who were pitching strong coming into the weekend. If both struggle next reason, the Jackets will need to start worrying about their rotation.

Offensively, the Jackets didn’t get off the ground early but still were able to total 12 hits for eight runs. They have now scored seven or more runs in three straight games but are 1-2 in those three games as well. It’s a trend that cannot continue for the Jackets if they hope to be a player in the ACC this season.

Next: Baseball: Jackets win opening game of series vs Hokies

Sunday’s matchup against the Hokies is a big one for the Jackets for several reasons. The biggest reason is that a loss would mean the Jackets start out 1-5 in ACC play which would be a deep hole to be in early on. Second, the Jackets may have had success in the top part of their rotation this season but when it comes to their Sunday and Tuesday match ups, they’ve struggled all season.