March 13, 2007
ATLANTA – The Yellow Jackets head to Kennesaw this week for their first road game in over a month, meeting Kennesaw State in a Wednesday evening matchup beginning at 6 p.m., which is a change from previously-published schedules. Live stats for the game can be found at www.ramblinwreck.com.
Georgia Tech (9-8, 1-2 ACC) is coming off its first conference series of the season while Kennesaw State faces Jacksonville State Tuesday night in Jacksonville, Ala., before returning home to host the Jackets.
Tech defeated Kennesaw State in 10 innings, 11-8, earlier in the year to secure their first victory of the season. A walk-off three-run home run by Matt Wieters won the game for the Jackets, while he also earned the win in relief.
The Yellow Jacket bullpen of Tim Ladd, Brad Rulon, Jared Hyatt and Wieters combined to pitch 9.1 innings in relief, giving up just three runs on six hits while striking eight.
The Jackets are 5-1 against the Owls following the game earlier this year, and have won four-straight over their instate rival. Overall, Georgia Tech is 1-3 against instate rivals this season, having faced Georgia Southern in a two-game series to open the season and Georgia State in a midweek game two weeks ago.
Several Yellow Jacket pitchers are scheduled to appear against Kennesaw State, as it is a designated staff day for Georgia Tech. Sophomore lefty Michael Hutts will make the first start of his career vs. the Owls.
Pitching Matchup (GT vs. KSU)Wednesday: LHP Michael Hutts (1-0, 6.35) vs. RHP Kody Paul (0-1, 3.97)
The Yellow Jacket offense is led by outfielders Wally Crancer (.407-4-17) and Danny Payne (.393-1-12-7), catcher Matt Wieters (.370-5-24) and DH Tony Plagman (.361-0-4-3), while three other Yellow Jackets are hitting over .300 for the season. Georgia Tech, as a team, is hitting .308 on the year.
Following Wednesday’s game, the Jackets will return to Atlanta to host Boston College in a three-game series beginning Friday at 4 p.m.
