ATLANTA (Feb. 15) – Georgia State pitchers Ryan Patrylo, Brian Jones and Kevin Hopper combined to allow just three runs and five hits against one of the top offensive attacks in the nation on Tuesday, February 15, as the Panthers defeated No. 8 Georgia Tech 4-3.
The win by the Panthers was their first in the series since April 21, 1993, as the Jackets had won the last 14 meetings between the Atlanta schools, and 32 of the last 33 dating back to 1980.
The Panthers got on the board first, with three in the bottom of the second off Tech starter Rhett Parrott, keyed by a solo home run by catcher Paul Schlosser and an RBI single by center fielder Jay Fields.
A leadoff home run to start the bottom of the third by Chad Smith increased the Georgia State lead to 4-0, which held until Tech third baseman Mark Teixeira blasted a two-run home run in the top of the sixth.
After starting pitcher Ryan Patrylo (1-0) was lifted in the seventh, Brian Jones held the Jackets scoreless in the seventh and eighth, yielding only a one-out double to Teixeira in the eighth.
Panthers’ closer Kevin Hopper came on in the ninth, and allowed an unearned run, but managed to close it out as Tech left the tying and go-ahead runs on base when shortstop Victor Menocal hit into a fielder’s choice to end the game.
Following Smith’s leadoff home run in the third, the Panthers were held hitless by Parrott (0-1) and Tech reliever Andy Mitchell, but the GSU pitchers preserved the victory.
The two teams will play again tomorrow afternoon at Russ Chandler Stadium at 4 p.m. Brad Busbin is scheduled to get the start for the Jackets, while Mic Knox will take the hill for the Panthers.
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