When the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets started the season, they were looking for their pitching ace and someone to put on the mound on Fridays to start a series, and they put the ball in Tate McKee's glove and did not look back. McKee would become the most consistent starter for the Yellow Jackets, as he would start a team-high 16 games for the team this season.
So when the Yellow Jackets needed a reliable guy to put on the mound for their first round matchup against the Western Kentucky Hilltoppers, the Yellow Jackets would again put the ball in McKee's glove.
McKee would not let the team down in the start, even if it did not get off to the best start. The Hilltoppers would get three hits in the first two innings of the contest, but McKee would settle in, and only allow one hit in the next four innings.
McKee would pitch a total of seven innings and give up seven hits, while striking out six batters and allowing just one run in the game. What made the start so impactful was the fact that the Yellow Jackets were able to keep their bullpen fresh for the rest of their regional games, something that will be crucial as games go on.
Even with the rough start, McKee stayed in there and put on a show for all to see, resulting in a Yellow Jackets 9-2 victory, and setting himself up to possibly pitch in the Super Regionals if the Yellow Jackets get that far.