STATESBORO, Ga. (Feb. 13) – Georgia Tech capitalized on an error by Georgia Southern first baseman Scott Henley in the top of the ninth to score three runs, before holding on to top the Eagles 7-6.
After loading the bases with one out in the ninth and the score tied at 4-4, a ground ball hit by Tech freshman Jason Perry got past Henley allowing two runs to score. A third run came in later in the inning on a wild pitch by Eagle reliever David Ray.
Georgia Southern plated two runs in the bottom of the ninth, using a leadoff single and following double, before Tech closer Andy Mitchell retired the final three batters on ground outs to preserve the Jackets’ victory and sweep of the two-game series.
Sophomore right hander Kevin Cameron (1-0) earned the win for Tech (1-0) by throwing two and a third innings of scoreless relief, while Mitchell got the save. GSU hurler Philip Roland (0-1) took the loss in relief.
The Eagles (0-2) struck first, plating two runs in the bottom of the second on consecutive RBI singles by Jemel Spearman and Patrick Jones. After mounting a rally in the bottom of the third, Tech starter Steve Kelly was knocked out of the game, forcing lefty Ben Sheeter to end the Eagles’ offensive threat.
Tech answered with three in the top of the fourth, keyed by singles from Perry, Wes Rynders, and Richard Lewis, before adding a single run in the fifth.
GSU plated single runs in the fifth and sixth to knot the score at 4-4, setting the stage for the ninth inning fireworks.
Tech returns to action on Tuesday afternoon with a 4 p.m. contest at cross-town rival Georgia State.
