Georgia Tech routs Cal, 15-5

Staff Reports

THE FLATS – No. 15 Georgia Tech flexed its offensive and pitching muscle Saturday afternoon at Mac Nease Baseball Park, routing California 15-5 in eight innings for a mercy-rule win — the Yellow Jackets’ 10th of the season.

All nine Tech starters reached base, and senior John Giesler led the offensive onslaught, going 3-for-4 with five RBIs, including a three-run homer that put the Jackets in full control in the fifth inning.

“It feels great to contribute like that,” Giesler said. “This team’s depth and energy right now is unbelievable.”

Freshman Alex Hernandez continued his torrid pace, reaching base in all five plate appearances. He went 3-for-3 with a double, two walks, and four runs scored — pushing his series total to a perfect 7-for-7 so far.

Georgia Tech (28-7, 13-4 ACC) scored in six of eight innings and ended it with a five-run eighth, punctuated by Drew Burress’ walk-off RBI single. Burress extended his on-base streak to 53 games and tallied his team-leading 18th multi-hit game of the year.

Vahn Lackey got the Jackets going with a leadoff home run — his fourth of the year — and finished 2-for-4 with two walks and three RBIs. Redshirt freshman Nathanael Coupet added a three-RBI day in his first career start.

On the mound, junior Brady Jones delivered his first career quality start. The right-hander tossed a career-high six innings on 99 pitches, striking out seven and allowing four earned runs to improve to 4-0.

“Brady gave us exactly what we needed,” head coach Danny Hall said. “It’s great to see him step up like that in ACC play.”

The Jackets’ bullpen was spotless. Carson Ballard worked a 1-2-3 seventh, and Brett Barfield struck out both batters he faced in the eighth to seal the run-rule victory. Barfield has allowed just one earned run over his last nine appearances and lowered his season ERA to 2.00.

The victory continues a hot streak for Georgia Tech, which has now won by mercy rule in each of its last five ACC series. The Jackets lead the nation in doubles (104) and boast five players with at least 11 two-baggers.

With the win, Georgia Tech improves to its best start since 2010 and ties the all-time series with Cal at 2-2. The Jackets will go for the series sweep Sunday.

“This is one of the deepest lineups we’ve had,” Hall said. “Even with guys out, we’re finding ways to score runs and win big games. That’s the sign of a mature team.”