ATLANTA — No. 12 Georgia Tech baseball mounted a wild comeback attempt that included seven hits and four home runs in the final three innings, but ultimately fell 14-12 to Kennesaw State on Wednesday night at Mac Nease Baseball Park at Russ Chandler Stadium.
The Yellow Jackets (16-6) trailed 11-3 at one point but stayed with it, having the bats catch fire late. Unfortunately, four errors that led to five unearned runs proved to be too much to overcome in the effort.
At the plate, Tech had six multi-hit performances, led by Tim Borden II who launched a three-run homer as well as a double in the 3-for-5 day. Kevin Parada, who was the designated hitter on Wednesday, also went 3-for-5 with an RBI. Andrew Jenkins’ two hits brought in two RBI, as did Stephen Reid’s two-run home run in the seventh.
Colin Hall hit his fourth home run of the season to ignite the rally attempt in the seventh, while Drew Compton also continued his hot hitting with two hits and an RBI. Tres Gonzalez gave the Jackets life in the ninth with a solo homer as well, before Jenkins flyout fell just two feet shy of tying the game.
On the mound, the Jackets used seven pitchers on the night. Starter LHP Luke Bartnicki (2-1) received the loss, allowing four runs on five hits with three strikeouts in just 2.1 innings.
The Owls (13-7) were led by Josh Hatcher, who hit for the cycle. Starter RHP Mackenzie Stills received his first win on the season, allowing two runs on five hits in 3.0 innings. RHP Jared Rine got his third save of the year.
After a marathon start that included 21 games in 33 games, 16 of which were at home, the Yellow Jackets head out on the road for their first ACC series away from home, traveling to NC State on March 25-27. First pitches are set for 6:30 p.m., 7 p.m. and 1 p.m., respectively, with Saturday broadcast live on ACC Network. Saturday and Sunday will be broadcast on ACC Network Extra.
