April 23, 2011
ATLANTA – The ninth-ranked Georgia Tech baseball team used a six-run third inning, and junior pitcher Jed Bradley allowed just one run over seven frames for an 8-1 series-clinching victory Saturday afternoon at Russ Chandler Stadium.
The Jackets improve to 29-11 overall and 16-4 in the Atlantic Coast Conference with the win. Boston College falls to 14-22 and 6-13 in the ACC.
“I thought Jed [Bradley] threw the ball well and we played some good defense,” head coach Danny Hall said. “Our guys swung the bats better today. We can still get better, but overall I thought we played really solid the whole game.”
Bradley (4-2) scattered six hits over seven solid innings, allowing just one run in the outing. He had six strikeouts while walking just one batter. The left-hander retired 13 of the first 15 batters in the game, and didn’t allow the solo run until the sixth inning.
Sophomore outfielder Brandon Thomas was a perfect 3-for-3 with a home run and two RBI. Sophomore Sam Dove and freshman Daniel Palka each chipped in with two hits apiece.
Dove gave the Jackets a 1-0 lead in the second inning, sending a two-out double to left field that scored Palka from second base.
Tech went on to chase Boston College starter John Leonard in the third inning, scoring six runs on six hits to make it a 7-0 game. Thomas started the onslaught with a solo homer to right field, before closing it with a RBI single later in the inning.
Palka, Dove and junior Matt Skole also drove in runs in the frame.
“That was a big [third] inning for us. We haven’t had one of those in awhile so it was good to stretch some hits together.
“He [Brandon Thomas] started it for us. I thought he had good at-bats last night and had good at bats today, so I am happy for him. Anytime you get production out of the bottom order like that it always sparks us.”
Leonard (4-5) took the loss after allowing all seven runs on eight hits over six innings.
Boston College’s Garret Smith brought in the visiting side’s only run with a sacrifice fly to centerfield in the sixth inning.
Junior shortstop Jacob Esch belted a solo home run to left field in the seventh inning off of BC reliever Geoff Oxley to close out the scoring.
The entire Tech pitching was solid on the afternoon, as senior Kevin Jacob and freshman DeAndre Smelter held the Eagles to one run over the final two innings. Each hurler tossed an inning of relief.
The two teams will conclude the series on Sunday with a 1 p.m. start at Russ Chandler Stadium.
