Tech Batters IUC
The 2026 NCAA regional tournament opener could not have gone much better for coach James Rsmsey and his Yellow Jackets.
Tech cruised to an easy 22-5 win, fueled by a relentless attack from their notorious bats. The pitching staff took proper advantage of the fat margin of victory, spreading the work out among five hurlers, with starter Carson Ballard going four complete and using only 59 pitches to get there. Thus he can be ' re- available ' should circumstances dictate later in this weekend.
Meanwhile, the offense looked like itself against the overmatched Flames from Chicagoland. Tech actually took on a two run deficit when _ Will Flanagan launched a two run homer following a single by Alexander Wright.
That lead didn't last long. In Tech's half, Alex Hernandez homered after a Ryan Zuckerman single to tie it up at two. Moments later, Parker Brosius hit a solo blast to earn a 3-2 lead for the Jackets after two complete.
Then the roof caved in on IUC. Tech's torrid hitters took over the show, plating 14 runs over the next two frames. With no run- rule in place in the regional tournament, Tech added five more in tbe sixth.
Almost like a microcosm of their regular season, the stats got a bit cartoonish. Suffice to say, seven home runs for the Jackets, with a team OBP of .537 for the game led to a lopsided loss for the Flames.
Jake Lankie got the win for his two innings of work. Three other relievers each got one inning of work.
All in all, it's a great set -up for what's next. That moment is scheduled for late Saturday afternoon – weather permitting, of course--against Oklahoma, who won over The Citadel earlier today.
The Jackets will look to extend their post -season win streak against the Sooners. Anticipated starter for Tech today is Tate McKee.