March 29, 2002
Raleigh, N.C. – Freshman Jeremy Slayden had two home runs on four hits, and Kyle Bakker tossed eight strong innings, allowing just two runs, to lead Georgia Tech (20-4, 1-2 ACC) to a 6-4 victory over NC State (19-9, 1-3 ACC) at Doak Field on Friday evening.
Slayden was a perfect 4-for-4 with a walk in the game. He tied a career high with three runs batted in, and set career highs with four hits and three runs scored. Kyle Bakker (7-0) pitched eight innings allowing one earned run on six hits. He struck out five while issuing only two walks in the game.
NC State jumped out to a 1-0 lead in the bottom of the first inning. Chad Orvella singled to lead off the inning, moved to second on a groundout by Brian Wright, and then scored on a RBI single by Justin Riley.
The Jackets went ahead 2-1 in the top of the second inning. Tyler Parker led off the inning by doubling to left field and then scored on a RBI single by Slayden. After a single by Matt Murton moved Slayden to third, he came around to score on a RBI groundout by Clifton Remole.
The Wolfpack tied the score at 2-2 in the bottom of the third inning on a sacrifice fly by Justin Riley to score Chad Orvella.
Slayden homered to lead off the fourth inning for Georgia Tech. After Murton and Remole followed with back-to-back singles, Murton scored on a sacrifice fly by Brandon Boggs. Remole later came around to score on a RBI single by Victor Menocal, which extended his career high hitting streak to 22 games. The Jackets extended the lead to 6-2 in the top of the fifth inning on a solo home run by Slayden, his second of the game.
The last of the NC State scoring came in the bottom of the ninth with a two-out hit from Brian Wright to score David Hicks, who led off the inning with a double to center field. After loading the bases, Matthew Boggs’ error allowed another run to score before reliever Menocal struck out Joe Gaetti to end the game. Menocal picked up the second save of his career after inducing a double play and recording the strikeout to end the game.
NC State starter Derek McKee (2-2) took the loss, giving up six runs on twelve hits in eight innings of work. He struck out eight Tech batters and allowed only two walks.
Georgia Tech will continue the series tomorrow with a doubleheader beginning at noon. The second game is scheduled to begin 30 minutes following the conclusion of the first game. Live scoring for the game will be available at www.ramblinwreck.com.
