Tech Shakes Off Sooners-- Better Late Than Never

Georgia Tech whipped a tough Oklahoma team 9-3 late Saturday night for their second win in the Atlanta regional tournament.

To beat those Okies, Tech had to weather the effective pitching of Oklahoma starter Xander Mercurious. The freshman held Tech's vaunted offense in moderate check, yielding three runs over the first five innings. He ran into trouble in the sixth and was pulled after two outs, having given up two more runs and with a pitch count of 100.

Tech also had to weather the weather itself, with an hour -plus rain delay dropping into midtown Atlanta in the seventh inning.

Meanwhile Tech's starter Tate McKee more than held serve, giving up only two earned runs over six innings. He struck out eight and walked two.

Parker Brosius led off the scoring with a two -run shot in the second inning. He homered again off Mercurious in the sixth. Tech's catcher Vahn Lackey added another jaw- dropping blast to left center in the fourth, traveling 468 feet.

The Jackets' bullpen was effective and efficient. Caden Gaudette cleared the seventh and Dylan Loy covered the last two innings allowing no runs with a total of only 41 pitches thrown.

Tech's powerful offense garnered eight hits in 31 at bats, a relatively calm night for them. But they did gain 10 walks on the night, several of which eventually crossed the plate.

Ramsey commented on his team's proclivity for earning the walks, particularly from a 3-2 count. He said he frequently repeats to his team the concept of " winning the 3-2 count, and on this day, it all paid off for the Yellow Jackets.

Tech plays again on Sunday evening against the winner of a Sunday elimination game between The Citadel and these same Sooners. Should Tech take that game, the regional tournament will be theirs.

Patrick Conarro

RamblinSports