SOUTH BEND, Ind. – Georgia Tech softball (25-9, 6-7 ACC) came back with a four-run final frame to take a heart-pounding win against No. 25 Notre Dame (25-7, 5-3 ACC) on Friday at Melissa Cook Stadium. Tech’s signature small ball led to a four-run seventh inning with the winning run coming off a sacrifice bunt to secure the first road win against Notre Dame in program history.
Sophomore shortstop Jin Sileo reached base safely in each of her at-bats on the day, going 2-for-2 with two walks while driving in the opening and scoring the final run for Tech. Sophomore third baseman Mallorie Black hit 2-for-4 on the day. Both of Black’s hits drove in a run, and she came home to score in the three-run third inning for the Yellow Jackets.
After a scoreless first frame, Georgia Tech scored four unanswered runs in the second and third innings. Sileo started the scoring with a scorching liner to second that the Notre Dame second baseman couldn’t handle, allowing junior designated player Caroline Davis to score.
Tech would put up three more in the third inning, starting with a single from Black with freshman outfielder Auburn Dupree crossing the plate. The three-run third concluded with a graduate first baseman Tricia Awald scoring from second off a wild throw from the catcher down the first base line.
The Fighting Irish would answer with seven runs. Following a run for each side in the sixth, Notre Dame led 8-5 going into the top of the seventh.
The Yellow Jackets loaded the bases in the top of the seventh off of two walks and a single, bringing the winning run to the plate. Sileo continued her perfect day at the plate, reaching base for the fourth time and walking in the first run of the inning. Freshman utility player Emma Minghini then stepped up to the plate and hit a hard ball to first. The Notre Dame first baseman tried to go home to get the lead runner out, but the errant throw allowed two runners to score, tying the game.
With runners on second and third and one out, freshman outfielder Ella Edgmon laid down a bunt up the middle. The only play was at first, allowing Sileo to slide in for the win.
Game Notes
- The White and Gold have won nine straight games, including six in ACC play.
- Tech has outscored opponents 48-22 during the winning streak.
- The Yellow Jackets earned their first road win against the Fighting Irish in program history.
- Sileo reached base safely in all of her at bats for the second time this season.
- Tech earns its second ranked win of the season, the previous being a 12-3 run-rule decision against No. 16 Georgia.
Up Next
Georgia Tech will continue the series against Notre Dame (25-7, 5-3 ACC) on Saturday at noon at Melissa Cook Stadium in South Bend, Ind. The game was originally slated for 1 p.m., but shifted up due to potential impending inclement weather, Game two will be broadcast live on ACC Network Extra.
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HOW ‘BOUT THEM JACKETS?!?!? What a comeback for @GaTechSoftball’s 9️⃣th-straight win! #BeGold#404Institute#TogetherWeSwarm
— Todd Stansbury (@GTToddStansbury) April 2, 2022
9️⃣ STRAIGHT 🔥🔥🔥 https://t.co/EqW3w0H6hJ
— Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets (@GTAthletics) April 2, 2022
This team never gives up!!!!!🐝 & @lexi_ray22 is a savage https://t.co/7XvJNTcFZi
— Blake Neleman (@blakeneleman) April 2, 2022
👀 who's ⬆️
Tune in on ACC Network Extra
📺: https://t.co/kI8ConIkuA
📈: https://t.co/HixmkWJvcz#BeGold /// #404Institute pic.twitter.com/JZwtJQ0vHy— Georgia Tech Softball 🥇🥇🥇🥇🥇 (@GaTechSoftball) April 2, 2022
𝐓𝐈𝐄𝐃 𝐔𝐏! 💪
Tune in on ACC Network Extra
📺: https://t.co/kI8ConIkuA
📈: https://t.co/HixmkWJvcz#BeGold /// #404Institute pic.twitter.com/9iQq8Ue7lI— Georgia Tech Softball 🥇🥇🥇🥇🥇 (@GaTechSoftball) April 2, 2022
𝗦𝘁𝗮𝘆 ready, so we don't have to 𝗴𝗲𝘁 ready 💪#BeGold /// #404Institute pic.twitter.com/IIuU0Hy5sg
— Georgia Tech Softball 🥇🥇🥇🥇🥇 (@GaTechSoftball) April 1, 2022
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