June 6, 2025

Georgia Tech Baseball Dominates Western Kentucky in NCAA Regional

News Summary

Georgia Tech baseball launched their NCAA Tournament with a decisive 9-2 victory over Western Kentucky, marking their 36th appearance. The team displayed strong offense, highlighted by Alex Hernandez’s two three-run home runs, and solid defensive play throughout the game. Head coach Danny Hall, in his final season, leads the Yellow Jackets as they aim for further success in the postseason.

Atlanta – Georgia Tech baseball started their NCAA Tournament with a commanding victory over Western Kentucky, winning the first game of the regional matchup 9-2. This match marks Georgia Tech’s 36th NCAA Tournament appearance overall and the fifth in the last six years, solidifying their status as a competitive force in college baseball.

The Yellow Jackets, with a notable all-time NCAA Tournament record of 79 wins and 71 losses for a .527 winning percentage, and a regional record of 71 wins and 60 losses (.542), have a rich history in postseason play. The recent triumph also occurs during the 25th NCAA Tournament under the leadership of head coach Danny Hall, who holds a career postseason record of 64 wins and 55 losses (.538). This season marks Hall’s final one, as he has announced plans to retire following the year.

Georgia Tech approached this match with determination, showcasing a strong road record of 13-6 (.684) this season, the best for the program since 2004. The roster for the game featured key players including CF Drew Burress, 1B Kent Schmidt, SS Kyle Lodise, RF Alex Hernandez, C Vahn Lackey, LF Caleb Daniel, 3B Carson Kerce, 2B Will Baker, and DH Drew Rogers, with Tate McKee serving as the starting pitcher. His performance was instrumental in securing the early lead against Western Kentucky.

Opening the game, Georgia Tech immediately set the tone with a scoreless first inning. The momentum shifted dramatically when Alex Hernandez hit a three-run home run, bringing the score to 3-0 by the end of the first inning. Continuing their offensive push, the Yellow Jackets extended their advantage to 4-0 in the second inning with a sacrifice fly from Drew Rogers.

As the game progressed, Georgia Tech’s defense kept Western Kentucky at bay, maintaining the lead throughout five innings with a score of 4-0. The Yellow Jackets’ offense demonstrated resilience, with Carson Kerce delivering an RBI single in the sixth inning, making it 5-0.

Western Kentucky finally broke the silence with their first run in the seventh inning, cutting the deficit to 5-1. However, Georgia Tech quickly responded with an RBI from Vahn Lackey, pushing the score to 6-1. The eighth inning saw Western Kentucky score again on a sacrifice fly, narrowing the score further to 6-2.

In a final display of dominance, Alex Hernandez once more struck with a three-run home run in the eighth inning, elevating the Yellow Jackets’ lead to 9-2 as they headed into the final inning. The victory showcased not only the team’s offensive power but also their defensive capabilities, holding Western Kentucky in check for the majority of the matchup.

This emphatic win is a promising start for Georgia Tech as they aim for further successes in the NCAA Tournament. Head coach Danny Hall’s legacy as a leader of the program is underscored by this performance, which could be one of many highlights in his final season. With their eyes set on potential advancement beyond the regional stage, the Yellow Jackets are poised to carry their momentum into upcoming games.

The Yellow Jackets’ next steps in the NCAA Tournament will be closely followed as they strive to improve upon their postseason track record and continue their tradition of excellence in college baseball.

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