A four-run third inning did the trick for No. 16 Georgia Tech (11-1) who held on to defeat Kennesaw State (5-6) on Wednesday night by a score of 5-4 at Russ Chandler Stadium (ranking is according to Baseball America).
Kennesaw State received solid pitching from Justin Edwards, who went six innings while giving up five runs on five hits. The bullpen was also sound, shutting out Tech over three innings.
Once again, the Owls out-hit their opponent, but came up short on the scoreboard. KSU managed eight hits while Tech had five.
The Owl offense could not match the solid pitching performance, mustering just two runs on six hits against Tech starter Kevin Jacob.
“Jacob threw extremely well. I thought even early in the game, he was throwing some balls by us and we just didn’t get a chance to center any of them up.
Most of the third inning damage was done by Tech star Tony Plagman, who connected on a three-run home run for the Jackets. It was the first basemen’s team-leading fifth round-tripper of the season.
“It was tough because I had just struck the guy out before that and there (were) two outs,” said Edwards. “I made a bad pitch.”
The Owls threatened in the ninth inning trailing 5-2. The Owls were able to load the bases with one out for slugger Jace Whitmer, who leads the team with five home runs on the year. After struggling much of the night at the plate, things began to look up for KSU.
Whitmer grounded out to second base, scoring Andrew Martin from third. Jacob Robbins then drew a walk, which again loaded the bases. The Owls were still alive.
Martin Baker was hit by a pitch, sending Drew Fowlkes in for KSU’s fourth run.
The Owls had drawn to within one run with the bases loaded. But that would be as close as KSU would get, as Tech closer Mark Pope got Tyler Stubblefield swinging to end the game.
“I thought the momentum changed a little bit late,” declared Sansing. “I thought we had an opportunity to do something and next time we’ll get it.”
The late rally put a bit of a scare into the perennially solid Yellow Jackets.
“Give them a lot of credit, they got a couple hits (in the ninth inning),” said Tech manager Danny Hall. “I think they have a very good team. I was real impressed by their pitching.”
Edwards wondered what might have been had it not been for the third inning.
“It was rough because I wasn’t getting the calls in the third,” explained a disappointed Edwards. “I just wanted to keep it close so we had a chance to come back.”
KSU will host Kent State in a four-game set this weekend. The highlight will be Friday’s game as KSU star Kyle Heckathorn, who was featured in an article by ESPNU will take the mound for the Owls. Dozens of Major League scouts are expected to be in attendance. First pitch is scheduled for 6 p.m.
Black can be reached at sblack@scoreatl.com.
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