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Final: Irish Knock off Jackets in Extra Innings

A good performance on the mound by Jonathan King wasn't enough to propel the Jackets over the top as a 10th inning run gave Notre Dame a 3-2 win over Georgia Tech on Friday.

By Tyler Duke
Kel Johnson
Kel Johnson
Danny Karnik/Georgia Tech Athletics

The Georgia Tech baseball team opened up conference play with a tough 3-2 loss on Friday against the Notre Dame Fighting Irish.

A single by third baseman Kyle Fiala in the top of the 10th inning brought Lane Richards home for what would be the game winning run for the Irish. Keenan Innis singled in the bottom of the 10th and advanced to second on a sacrifice bunt, but Daniel Spingola hit a hard line drive to second that doubled up Innis to end the game.

The Jackets had multiple opportunities in the game to break out with big innings but were unable to capitalize. Tech loaded the bases in the 1st inning with just one out but hit into a double play to come out with nothing to show for it. Even though the Jackets tied the game with a run in the 7th, the go-ahead runs were left on the corners.

Jonathan King was very solid in his starting performance. His line was 7 IP, 4 H, 2 ER, 3 BB, and 5 K. Matthew Gorst received the loss for the game winning run that went across in the 10th. He pitched 2.2 innings of relief and gave up 1 ER on 5 H.

Kel Johnson connected on his 5th home run of the season in the 4th inning of the game. He drove a low pitch deep to left field for another no-doubter. His continued power presence has been a huge factor for the Jackets this season as he looks like one of the best freshmen in the nation at the plate.

Joining Johnson as the only two hitters with two hits on the day was Thomas Smith. Smith reached base three times in the game and played some outstanding defense at first base. He made a beautiful stop on a grounder at the line in the 9th inning and followed that up with a run-saving play reaching to his left in the 10th inning to stop any further damage from the Irish.

Georgia Tech (9-4) and Notre Dame (11-1) will meet again on Saturday at 2 p.m. for the second of three games in the series at Russ Chandler Stadium. Cole Pitts will take the mound for the Jackets looking to build upon his impressive start last time out against Indiana State.

It should be a beautiful day for baseball on Saturday, so come out and support your Yellow Jackets!