Dramatic Finish
In a thrilling conclusion to the second game of the doubleheader at Doug Kingsmore Stadium, Mike Becchetti’s clutch two-run homer with two outs in the ninth inning propelled Georgia Tech to a remarkable 14-12 victory over No. 4 Clemson. With this triumph, the Yellow Jackets leveled the series at 1-1, showcasing their resilience and offensive firepower. Georgia Tech’s overall record now stands at 28-16, with a 12-11 mark in ACC competition, while Clemson’s season record dipped to 35-10 overall, with a 16-7 record in ACC play.
Wright’s Stellar Performance
Blake Wright emerged as a standout performer for Clemson, delivering a remarkable 4-for-5 performance at the plate, including a career-high seven RBIs. His offensive prowess was evident from the onset as he launched a solo homer in the first inning, extending his hitting streak to an impressive 15 games. Wright continued to dominate, hitting his second homer of the game and third of the day, a three-run blast in the third inning, further solidifying Clemson’s lead.
Back-and-Forth Battle
Despite Clemson’s early offensive onslaught, Georgia Tech remained undeterred, mounting a relentless comeback. Bobby Zmarzlak ignited the Yellow Jackets’ offense with a run-scoring single in the fourth inning, sparking a series of offensive exchanges between the two teams. Jacob Hinderleider’s two-run double in the fifth inning extended Clemson’s lead, only to be met by John Giesler’s solo homer for Georgia Tech in the sixth inning.
Late-Inning Drama
As the game entered the later innings, the intensity heightened, with both teams trading blows. Drew Burress emerged as a pivotal figure for Georgia Tech, hitting back-to-back three-run homers in the seventh and eighth innings, narrowing Clemson’s lead to a single run. However, it was Becchetti’s heroics in the ninth inning, coupled with a solo homer from pinch-hitter Van Lackey, that ultimately sealed the victory for Georgia Tech.
Pitching Duels
In the midst of the offensive fireworks, pitching played a crucial role in determining the outcome of the game. Mason Patel (2-2) earned the win for Georgia Tech, while Austin Gordon (0-2) suffered the loss for Clemson, highlighting the importance of pitching execution in high-scoring affairs.
