The Atlanta regional lived up to its reputation as a showcase of power hitting, as Georgia Tech, the No. 2 seed in the men’s NCAA baseball tournament, turned a modest 2‑0 deficit into a 22‑5 rout of UIC. The Yellow Jackets’ lineup combined for 22 hits, seven home runs and a flurry of extra‑base hits that left the opposition reeling.
Early Sparks and a Swift Reversal
UIC drew first blood in the top of the first inning, with Will Flanigan launching a solo homer that cleared the fence to right field and brought Alexander Wright home. The early lead seemed to set the tone, but the Yellow Jackets answered with a burst of offense that would define the contest.
Alex Hernandez ignited the comeback, tying the game at 2‑2 with his tenth home run of the season. Parker Brosius followed with a lofted shot to right‑center, giving Georgia Tech a 3‑2 edge. Vahn Lackey added his own homer, a ball that settled on the football team’s practice facility, underscoring the sheer distance of the swing.
The real turning point arrived in the bottom of the fourth inning. Georgia Tech erupted for 17 runs over the next three at‑bats, a cascade that featured a grand slam by Hernandez and a three‑run blast later in the sixth. Lackey finished the day 2‑for‑3, while Brosius also went 2‑for‑3, each contributing to the offensive onslaught.
Jarren Advincula was a catalyst at the plate, going 3‑for‑5 and adding his tenth home run to the tally. Drew Burress drew two walks before being lifted, and Jake Busson capped the inning with a two‑run shot in the eighth. The combined effort produced a final score of 22‑5, marking the third time in program history that the Yellow Jackets have scored at least 20 runs in an NCAA tournament game.
With the victory secured, Georgia Tech now turns its attention to the next round. The team will face the winner of the No. 2 Oklahoma versus No. 3 The Citadel matchup tomorrow, while UIC will meet the loser of that game in an elimination contest. The stage is set for another high‑stakes showdown in the heart of Atlanta.