ATLANTA — Georgia Tech baseball was unable to keep No. 21 Virginia off the scoreboard early, dropping Game 1 of the series 12-5 on Thursday night at Mac Nease Baseball Park at Russ Chandler Stadium.
Facing a 6-0 deficit, the Yellow Jackets (30-23, 12-16 ACC) were able to score three in the third inning on a bases-clearing double from Angelo Dispigna. However the Cavaliers (42-11, 17-11 ACC) were able to put up crooked numbers in the fourth and sixth to respond. Tech then scored two in the eighth on a John Giesler single to left field, but Virginia again countered with two unearned runs in the ninth to keep the game out of reach.
In addition to Dispigna and Giesler, Kristian Campbell and Jackson Finley led the way with two hits apiece, while Jake DeLeo also turned in a hit.
On the mound, starter RHP Luke Schmolke (6-4) took the loss, struggling in the first four innings to allow eight runs on six hits. LHP Joseph Mannelly had two cross against him in 1.1 innings of work, before the ball was handed to LHP Josiah Siegel, who went 3.1 innings to close, giving up just two unearned runs on three hits.
The 21st-ranked Cavs were led by Ethan O’Donnell, who went 3-for-4 with a two-run homer. UVA went 4-for-13 with two-outs and scored five two-out RBI. RHP Nick Parker (6-0) got the win, surrendering three runs on five hits.
Georgia Tech will look to respond in Game 2 against Virginia on Friday. First pitch is set for 6 p.m. and will be broadcast live on ACC Network Extra.
