February 23, 2019

Jackets Drop Game Two; Series Even with UCLA

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THE FLATS – Georgia Tech baseball allowed four runs in the third inning, breaking the game open for UCLA, as it fell 8-2 on Saturday afternoon at Russ Chandler Stadium

The 19th-ranked Yellow Jacket (3-2) were held to just four hits on the day, while No. 3 UCLA (5-1) notched 13 total en route to evening up the series 1-1.

Junior Connor Thomas (0-1) took his first loss of the season, allowing nine hits and six runs, while striking out five in the first 5.0 innings. UCLA’s Jack Ralston was effective on the day, also going 5.0 and only allowing four hits and two runs.

Tech struggled to find a groove at the plate. Colin Hall started things off with a double in the first inning, however that would be his lone hit of the day. Kyle McCann, Michael Guldberg and Jackson Webb were the other Jackets to get a hit on the day with Tristin English getting an RBI on a sac fly.

The Bruins’ bats came alive in Game 2, especially from the middle of the order. From the 5-7 holes in the lineup, UCLA got seven hits, four RBI and four extra-base hits. Ryan Kreidler and Jake Pries led with 3-for-5 outings, while Michael Toglia and Matt McLain had two hits and two RBI apiece.

Both bullpens once again performed well on Saturday. Overall, Tech allowed just two runs and four hits in relief over the remaining four innings. UCLA needed just four pitchers total. Filby was the most effective out of the pen, going 2.0 innings and striking out two of six batters faced.

The Yellow Jackets return for the rubber match on Sunday at Russ Chandler Stadium. First pitch is slated for 1 p.m. and will be broadcast live on ACC Network Extra.

Postgame Notes

Right fielder Colin Hall’s double in the first inning was his third of the season.
Hugh Chapman made his first appearance, giving up just one hit in his 1.0 innings.
Senior Jake Lee also made his first appearance throwing a shutout inning.
For UCLA, Jack Filby, Nate Hadley and Holden Powell combined for 4.0 hitless innings.