Final: A.J. Murray and Jackets Bounce Back, Beat Irish 11-7

The sticks in Georgia Tech's lineup got back in a groove on Saturday and brought across 11 runs to even the weekend series against Notre Dame going into Sunday's rubber match.

Four runs in the 8th inning by the Jackets were more than enough to secure a comfortable victory after Notre Dame rallied in the 7th to get within two runs. Kel Johnson sparked that 8th inning with a bases-clearing three-run triple that hit off of the wall in left field.

Pitcher Cole Pitts followed up his quality outing against Indiana State with another good performance on the mound. His line was 4.1 IP, 3 H, 1 ER, 1 BB, and 2 K. The bullpen didn't fare as well as Ben Parr, Zac Ryan, and Jared Datoc combined to give up five runs on nine hits in 4.2 IP. Ryan received the win to move to 3-0 on the season.

A.J. Murray drove in four runs to lead the Jackets. His two-run bomb in the first inning got Tech out to a quick lead. It was his 4th home run of the season which puts him behind only Johnson for the team lead. He had a two-run double in the 6th inning.

Daniel Spingola and Matt Golzalez led the team with three hits apiece. Spingola drove in three runs, while Gonzalez scored three runs and hit a solo homer to opposite field in the 6th.

The rubber match of the series will be tomorrow at 1 p.m. back at Russ Chandler Stadium. Taking the mound for the Jackets will be one of the pleasant surprises of the team so far. Brandon Gold has been spectacular in his three starts with a 1.26 ERA. He'll look to continue that success to lead Tech to an impressive series win to open up ACC play.

It looks to be another beautiful day of baseball, so come out and support your Jackets!