Michael Guldberg hits walk-off sacrifice fly to center field to win 11-10
THE FLATS – Georgia Tech baseball outlasted a furious charge by No. 9 North Carolina over the final three innings as Michael Guldberg’s sacrifice fly gave it the 11-10 victory on Saturday afternoon, evening the series at 1-1 at Russ Chandler Stadium.
The Yellow Jackets’ (21-10, 8-6 ACC) were paced by Tristin English, offensively, as he became the first Yellow Jacket since 2001 (Richard Lewis) to hit for the cycle, notching the milestone with a key eighth-inning home run. He was one of four multi-hit performances on the day as Colin Hall also hit two doubles for three RBI, finishing with three hits overall.
The Tar Heels (23-8, 8-6 ACC) were paced by second baseman Danny Serretti, who hit 5-for-5 for three doubles, four RBI. UNC featured three multi-hit players overall on the night.
Connor Thomas got the start for Tech, allowing just four runs on eight hits while punching out nine over 6.2 innings, but would gain the no decision as the Tar Heels came back to tie the game in the top of the ninth. The final of four relief pitchers out of the bullpen, Jonathan Hughes (4-2) earned the win with a final line of 1.0 IP, 3 H, 2 R, 1 K.
UNC used six pitchers on the day after starter Austin Bergner surrendered six runs on seven hits over 2.1 innings. Closer Austin Love (5-2) received the loss in the bottom of the ninth, allowing two hits and the one run in just 0.2 innings.
The Yellow Jackets now will take on North Carolina in the rubber match on Sunday, April 7 at Russ Chandler Stadium. First pitch is scheduled for 1 p.m. and will be broadcast live on ACC Network Extra.
Postgame Notes:
- #CardiacJackets won their third walk-off game of the season
- Georgia Tech won their sixth game against a top-15 opponent this season (No. 3 UCLA, No. 4 Louisville, No. 4 Georgia, No. 15 Auburn, No. 9 UNC).
- Georgia Tech improved to 7-3 in one-run ballgames.
- English’s cycle is the first since Georgia Tech Hall of Famer Richard Lewis accomplished the feat on Feb. 17, 2001 against Georgia Southern.
- Michael Guldberg and Austin Wilhite both finished with two hits, including A. Wilhite’s key leadoff infield single to start the ninth.
- Unsung in the final box, but equally key to the win, Nick Wilhite laid down a perfect sacrifice bunt to get Austin Wilhite to second in the ninth.
- The Jackets allowed a big inning (four runs) for only the fifth time this season and second consecutive.
- Tech moved to 1-4 when allowing a big inning.
Multimedia:
Head Coach Danny Hall Postgame Interview
Tristin English Postgame Interview
🔊 Tristin English, the first Yellow Jacket to hit for the cycle since 2001 talks the gritty win over No. 9 UNC pic.twitter.com/0Lv3inSA1F
— Georgia Tech Baseball (@GTBaseball) April 7, 2019
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