The Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets delivered a stunning come-from-behind victory over the No. 4 Clemson Tigers, marking a pivotal moment in their 2024 season. Friday’s second game of the doubleheader wasn’t just another day on the field; it was an exhibition of resilience, power, and sheer determination, culminating in a 14-12 win that evened the series 1-1.
Mike Becchetti, whose two-run homer in the ninth inning became the game’s defining moment, propelling Georgia Tech to victory and sending shockwaves through the No. 4 ranked Tigers’ camp. With this win, the Yellow Jackets’ record improved to 28-16 overall and 12-11 in ACC play, proving they’re a force to be reckoned with this season.
The battle kicked off with Clemson’s Blake Wright igniting his team’s offense with a solo homer in the first inning, extending his hitting streak to an impressive 15 games. Yet, this was just a taste of the offensive spectacle to come. The early innings saw a flurry of runs, with Clemson initially seizing control. Wright’s second homer, a three-run blast in the third inning, punctuated his explosive performance, showcasing his invaluable contribution to the Tigers’ lineup.
However, Georgia Tech was far from beaten. Demonstrating exceptional tenacity, the Yellow Jackets began chipping away at Clemson’s lead. Bobby Zmarzlak’s run-scoring single in the fourth inning signaled the start of Georgia Tech’s fightback, a challenge to which Clemson responded but could not ultimately quash.
In a rollercoaster of scoring that reflected the game’s intense dynamism, Drew Burress emerged as a key player for Georgia Tech, his two monumental three-run homers in successive innings igniting the Yellow Jackets’ offense and narrowing the score gap to a knife-edge.
The ninth inning encapsulated the essence of top-tier college baseball—a test of nerve, skill, and momentary brilliance. With the game hanging in the balance, Becchetti’s homer off Austin Gordon (0-2), Clemson’s pitcher, was a decisive blow that underscored Georgia Tech’s relentless pursuit of victory. Van Lackey’s solo homer further solidified the Yellow Jackets’ lead, a lead they wouldn’t relinquish.
Mason Patel (2-2) emerged as the winning pitcher, a testament to his effective performance in crunch time, ensuring that the Yellow Jackets capitalized on their late-game momentum.
The series finale will be broadcast on Sunday at 1 p.m. on ACC Network Extra.
