Pair of Big Innings Doom No. 10 Virginia in Opener

CHARLOTTESVILLE, Va.  – Georgia Tech (23-13, 8-8 ACC) produced a pair six run innings on its way to a 13-2 victory over No. 10 Virginia (29-10, 11-8 ACC) in eight innings. Despite the result, the Cavaliers out-hit the Yellow Jackets 13-12 in the contest.

Georgia Tech scored six runs in the third, plated an unearned run in the sixth and sealed the victory with six more runs in the eighth. Virginia, with the third-highest scoring offense in the country, was held scoreless over the first six innings before breaking through with two runs in the seventh.

Georgia Tech starting pitcher Aeden Finateri pitched 6.2 innings, surrendered 12 hits, was charged with one earned run and struck out eight Cavalier hitters. He’s only the third opposing pitcher this season to record a quality start against the Cavaliers.

Bobby Whalen (2-for-5), Ethan Anderson (2-for-4), Jacob Ference (2-for-4) and Luke Hanson (2-for-3) each put forth multi-hit efforts in the contest.

HOW IT HAPPENED

• Virginia starting pitcher Evan Blanco retired six of the first seven batters he faced but ran into trouble in the top of the third. The Yellow Jackets racked up six hits and sent 10 batters to the plate in a six-run frame. The big blow was a three-run double to left center of the bat of John Geisler. It was the first of three extra base hits for Georgia Tech on the night.
• Virginia broke the stalemate and drove Finateri out of the game after a pair of two-out singles in the seventh. Harrison Didawick plated UVA’s first run on an infield single that scored Whalen. The inning was extended by a Yellow Jacket fielding error that allowed Anderson to score. Reliever Ben King induced a bases loaded ground out to end the UVA threat.
• Georgia Tech responded in its half of the seventh with six more runs, the final four coming on a grand slam by Cam Jones.

ADDITIONAL NOTES

• Wake Forest’s Chase Burns (3/16) Wichita State’s Caden Favors (Feb. 23) are the only other opposing pitchers to turn in a quality start against UVA this season.
• Anderson recorded his 52nd double of his career with a line shot to left field in the first inning. He is now tied with Bill Narleski (1984-87) for the fifth most in program history.
• It marked the eighth and ninth time this season an opponent has scored five or more runs in an inning against the Cavaliers. UVA has won five games in which an opponent has posted an inning of five or more runs.
• Virginia drops to 21-3 when out-hitting its opponent.
• It marks the 21st time this season UVA has recorded 10 or more hits. The Cavaliers have compiled double-digit hits in 15 of its 19 ACC games this season.

UP NEXT

The series against Georgia Tech continues on Saturday (April 20) with the middle game of a three-game set. The Cavaliers will have lefty Owen Coady (1-0) on the mound and he will be opposed by fellow southpaw Cam Jones (2-1). First pitch is scheduled for 4 p.m. and the game will be broadcast live on ACCNX.